Notice how in 'yo pienso', the 'e' from 'pensar' becomes 'ie'. This happens in some forms (like the present tense), but not all. For 'nosotros' (we), it stays as 'e': 'pensamos'.

The 'e' sometimes changes to 'ie'

To say you are thinking *about* something or someone, you almost always use the little word 'en' after 'pensar'. For example: 'Pienso en mis vacaciones' (I'm thinking about my vacation).

Thinking 'about' someone or something

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

Using 'en' instead of 'que'

When you want to say 'I think that...', use the structure 'pienso que...'. That little word 'que' connects your thought to your opinion. Example: 'Pienso que la película es buena.'

Use 'que' for opinions

When you say 'I *don't* think that...', the verb that follows often changes to a special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'No pienso que *sea* una buena idea' (I don't think it *is* a good idea).

A special change for negative opinions

To ask 'What do you think of...?', use '¿Qué piensas de...?'. This is a great way to start a conversation about a movie, a book, or an event.

Asking for opinions

Extremely common for expressing opinions in everyday conversation.

Adding an extra word

To talk about your plans, just put the base form of the action verb (like 'viajar', 'comer', 'ir') right after 'pensar'. It's that simple! Example: 'Pienso estudiar más' (I plan to study more).

Structure for Plans: 'pensar' + action verb

While 'planear' also means 'to plan', using 'pensar' sounds very natural and is extremely common in daily conversation when talking about your intentions.

A natural alternative to 'planear'

A very common and natural way to talk about future intentions and plans.

Learn the full meaning of the Spanish verb 'pensar'. Understand how to use it to say 'to think', 'to believe', and 'to plan', with full conjugation tables, examples, and common mistakes.

pensar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations