Ongoing Thought vs. Sudden Idea: 'pensaba' vs. 'pensé'

The '-aba' ending on this verb is a clue you're in the 'imperfect' past tense. Use it to describe what *was happening*, what someone *used to do*, or to set the scene for a story. It's for background details, not for single, completed actions.

Painting a Picture of the Past

'Pensaba' is perfect for talking about something you were planning to do, especially if you didn't end up doing it. For example, 'Pensaba ir a la playa, pero llovió' (I was planning to go to the beach, but it rained).

Expressing Past Intentions

You can use 'Yo pensaba que...' to politely introduce a different opinion or make a suggestion. It sounds a bit softer than saying 'I think'. For example: 'Yo pensaba que quizás podríamos salir un poco más temprano.' (I was thinking that maybe we could leave a little earlier.)

Softening an Opinion

Extremely common. You'll hear and use this constantly when talking about the past.

Learn the meaning of 'pensaba' in Spanish. Understand its uses for 'I was thinking,' 'I used to think,' and 'I was planning to.' Includes full conjugation of 'pensar', examples, and grammar tips.

pensaba

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations