“This is where people misstep: they express understanding of a specific, private experience you have not yet been able to sufficiently describe—an experience you yourself may not yet understand. I recall watching an art teacher correct an abstract painting of mine, painting over a section of detailed work with his large, white brush.”
How my heart sings 
I agree that ‘understand’ is a difficult word ti comprehend. I especially liked the analysis of the Mandarin terms, in the link,, which brought out several shades of meaning.
Thank you,Mike.I really enjoyed the whole article,The Mandarin terms made me realise how good it would be to learn several languages especially non European ones.It’s fascinating that they relate to visible qualities, as it were.It also makes me feel slightly stupid or ignorant.It’s good Paris Review lets us read some articles free.I find I enjoy it alot