il a compris

he understood

→ il

phrase Uncommon #21,786

he understood The phrase literally uses the present tense of “have” with a past participle, but in French this construction expresses a completed past action.

FR: Il a compris la question.

EN: He understood the question.

Il a compris la manière d'ouvrir la boîte.

He understood how to open the box.

Je crois qu'il a compris.

I think he understood.

Assure-toi qu'il a compris, et laisse-le partir.

Make sure he understood, and let him go.

— Léon (1994)

Il a compris.

He understood.

— La Cité de Dieu (2002)

Il a compris ce qui s'est passé.

He understood what happened.

— Assurance sur la mort (1944)

Il a écrasé une larme sur la passerelle mais il a compris.

He brushed away a tear on the footbridge, but he understood.

— A Bad Son (1980)

C'est bon, il a compris.

It's okay, he understood.

— Un prophète (2009)

Il a compris qu'il mange comme une mouche.

He realized that he eats like a bird.

— La Mouche (1986)

Je pense qu'il a compris.

I think he understood.

Il a compris que l'énigme serait un jeu pour vous.

He understood that the riddle would be a game for you.

Mais finalement, il a compris que nous devions partir.

But finally, he understood that we had to leave.

— Nuremberg (2025)

Maintenant, il a compris, il va reposer sa petite cuillère.

Now he understands; he’s going to put his teaspoon down again.

— Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)

Il a compris que c'était à bénéfice mutuel.

He understood that it was mutually beneficial.

Il a compris que c'est tout par bêtise.

He realized it was all out of foolishness.

— Manon des sources (1986)