cree
/KREH-eh/
he/she thinks
Cree translates to 'he/she thinks' or 'you (formal) think,' used when expressing an opinion or belief.
cree(Verb)
he/she thinks
?Expressing an opinion
,he/she believes
?Stating something as true
,you (formal) think/believe
?Same as above, but formal
he/she supposes
?Making an assumption
📝 In Action
Ella cree que va a llover hoy.
A1She thinks it's going to rain today.
Mi hermano no me cree cuando le digo la verdad.
A2My brother doesn't believe me when I tell him the truth.
¿Usted cree que es una buena idea?
A2Do you (formal) think it's a good idea?
Cree en tus sueños.
B1Believe in your dreams.
💡 Grammar Points
Stating Beliefs vs. Doubts
When you state a belief with 'cree que', the next verb is normal. But when you state disbelief, 'no cree que', the next verb often changes to a special form for uncertainty. Example: 'Cree que viene.' (He thinks he's coming.) vs. 'No cree que venga.' (He doesn't think he's coming.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'en' for opinions
Mistake: "Él cree en que es una mala idea."
Correction: Él cree que es una mala idea. You only need 'que' to connect to an idea or opinion.
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Opinions
Starting a sentence with 'Creo que...' ('I think that...') is a very common and slightly softer way to give your opinion than stating it as a fact. The same applies to asking someone '¿Qué cree usted?'
When used with 'en' (cree en), it means 'he/she believes in' or 'trusts,' referring to faith or conviction.
cree(Verb)
he/she believes in
?Having faith or trust in something/someone
,you (formal) believe in
?Same as above, but formal
he/she trusts
?Having confidence in someone
📝 In Action
Mi abuela cree en los milagros.
B1My grandmother believes in miracles.
Él no cree en la política.
B1He doesn't believe in politics.
La entrenadora cree en su equipo.
A2The coach believes in her team.
💡 Grammar Points
Always use 'creer en'
When you want to say you 'believe in' something or someone (like a person, an idea, or a concept), you must use the little word 'en' after 'cree'. The structure is 'creer en + [the thing you believe in]'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'en'
Mistake: "Ella cree fantasmas."
Correction: Ella cree en fantasmas. Without 'en', it sounds like she thinks the ghosts are telling the truth, not that she believes they exist.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Cree que' vs. 'Cree en'
A simple way to remember: use 'cree que' when you're about to say a full sentence or idea ('he thinks that...'). Use 'cree en' when you're talking about having faith in a person or a single concept ('he believes in...').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cree
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'He believes in magic'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'cree' and 'piensa'?
They are very similar for expressing opinions ('he thinks'). 'Cree' often implies a belief that might not be based on hard facts, while 'piensa' can suggest more active thought or reasoning. In everyday conversation, they are often used interchangeably.
Is 'cree' only for 'he/she/you'?
Most of the time, yes. It's the form for 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (you, formal). However, it's also the command form for 'tú' (you, informal). For example, a friend might tell you, '¡Cree en ti mismo!' which means 'Believe in yourself!'