creer
/kreh-EHR/
to think
Creer means to think or to believe an idea or fact, such as believing it will rain.
creer(Verb)
to think
?expressing an opinion
,to believe
?holding something as true
to suppose
?making an assumption
,to guess
?making an estimate
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Stating Beliefs vs. Expressing Doubt
When you state a belief with 'creo que...', use the normal verb form. Example: 'Creo que es verdad' (I think it's true). But when you express doubt with 'no creo que...', the next verb changes to a special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'No creo que sea verdad' (I don't think it's true). This is a key difference from English!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'creer' and 'pensar'
Mistake: "'Pienso que va a llover.'"
Correction: 'Creo que va a llover.' While both mean 'to think', 'creer' is much more common for expressing everyday opinions and beliefs. Use 'pensar' more for the active process of thinking or pondering.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To Opinion Starter
Starting a sentence with 'Creo que...' is the most natural and common way to say 'I think...' in Spanish. It's a perfect conversation starter.
When used with en (creer en), the verb means to believe in or to trust someone or something deeply.
creer(Verb)
to believe in
?having faith in a person, idea, or deity
to trust
?having confidence in someone's abilities or character
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Magic Word: 'en'
To say you 'believe IN' something or someone, you must use the little word 'en' after 'creer'. 'Creo en ti' (I believe in you) is very different from 'Te creo' (I believe what you are saying).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'en'
Mistake: "'Yo creo la democracia.'"
Correction: 'Yo creo en la democracia.' When you're talking about faith in a concept, person, or system, you need 'en'. Without it, it sounds like you believe a story that democracy told you.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Deeper Trust
Use 'creer en' to show support and confidence. It's a powerful phrase to encourage a friend or express your core values.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: creer
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly says 'I don't believe what you're telling me'?
📚 More Resources
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').