creer
“creer” means “to think” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to think, to believe
Also: to suppose, to guess
📝 In Action
Creo que va a llover.
A1I think it's going to rain.
Ellos no creen la historia.
A2They don't believe the story.
¿Crees que es una buena idea?
A2Do you think it's a good idea?
Creíamos que el tren salía a las cinco.
B1We thought the train left at five.
to believe in
Also: to trust
📝 In Action
Yo creo en ti.
A2I believe in you.
¿Crees en la astrología?
B1Do you believe in astrology?
Es importante creer en uno mismo.
B1It's important to believe in oneself.
Mucha gente cree en un poder superior.
B2Many people believe in a higher power.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: creer
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly says 'I don't believe what you're telling me'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'crēdere', which meant 'to trust, believe, entrust'. It's related to the word 'cor' (heart), so the original idea was 'to put your heart' in something.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'creer' and 'pensar'?
Great question! They both can mean 'to think', but 'creer' is used for opinions and beliefs ('I think it's a good movie'). 'Pensar' is for the mental process of thinking or considering ('I'm thinking about what to do'). For everyday opinions, 'creer' is much more common and natural.
Why does the verb change after 'no creo que'?
In Spanish, when you state something as a fact or a firm belief ('Creo que...'), you use the normal verb tense. But when you introduce doubt or uncertainty ('No creo que...'), Spanish signals this by switching to a special mood called the subjunctive. It's a way of showing that what follows isn't a certainty, but a possibility or a doubt.
What is the difference between 'creer en', 'creer a', and 'creer que'?
It's all about the little word that follows! 'Creer en algo/alguien' means to have faith in something or someone ('Creo en la ciencia'). 'Creer a alguien' means to believe what someone is telling you ('No le creo a Juan'). 'Creer que...' is for expressing an opinion or belief about something ('Creo que es tarde').