compreendêlos

Compreendê-los is a Portuguese verbal expression formed from the verb compreender in the infinitive, combined with a direct object pronoun meaning “them.” It illustrates how clitic pronouns attach to non-finite verb forms to convey object reference, and is commonly used in both spoken and written Portuguese.

The standard spelling is compreendê-los (masculine plural) or compreendê-las (feminine plural), with a hyphen linking the pronoun cluster to the infinitive. The accent on the stem helps preserve the original stress of the verb. The corresponding singular forms are compreendê-lo and compreendê-la. When the clause uses a finite verb, the pronoun typically precedes the conjugated verb (Eles os compreendem; Eu os compreendi).

Usage and examples: The infinitive form with the attached pronoun is common after auxiliary verbs or in non-finite clauses, as in Quero compreendê-los (I want to understand them) or Vamos compreendê-los (Let us understand them). The same idea can appear with the gerund, as in Compreendendo-os, referring to the act of understanding them (Ele está compreendendo-os).

Notes: This construction uses the direct object pronouns os/ as (masculine/feminine plural) and their collocation with the infinitive or gerund. In contrast, with a finite verb, pronouns usually appear before the verb (os compreendem) or before a preceding auxiliary (vou compreendê-los is also common). The form compreendê-los is a standard, widely recognized rendering in Brazilian Portuguese and other varieties.