creo
“creo” means “I think” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
I think
Also: I believe
📝 In Action
Creo que es una buena idea.
A1I think it's a good idea.
No creo en los fantasmas.
A2I don't believe in ghosts.
Creo que sí, podemos ir al cine.
A1I think so, we can go to the movies.
¿Viene Juan? — Creo que no.
A2Is Juan coming? — I don't think so.
I create
Also: I make
📝 In Action
Yo creo música en mi tiempo libre.
A2I create music in my free time.
Primero, creo una nueva carpeta en el ordenador.
B1First, I create a new folder on the computer.
Con estos ingredientes, creo una salsa deliciosa.
B1With these ingredients, I create a delicious sauce.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "creo" in Spanish:
created→established→founded→i believe→i create→i make→i think→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: creo
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'I think you are right'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Creo' has two different origins. The meaning 'I believe' comes from the Latin word 'credere' (to trust, believe). The meaning 'I create' comes from a different Latin word, 'creare' (to make, produce). It's a coincidence that they look the same in the 'I' form in modern Spanish.
First recorded: 10th century (for forms of creer/crear)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two completely different meanings for 'creo'?
It's a cool language coincidence! They come from two different Latin verbs: 'creer' (to believe) and 'crear' (to create). They just happen to sound and look the same for the 'I' form in the present tense.
Do I always use the normal verb form after 'creo que'?
Almost always, yes. When you are stating what you think or believe, the following verb is in its normal form (the indicative). The main exception is when you make it negative ('No creo que...'), which signals doubt and usually requires a special verb form (the subjunctive).
How can I tell which 'creo' someone is using?
Context is your best friend! If they are talking about opinions, thoughts, or faith, it's 'I believe/think'. If they are talking about making, building, or producing something (art, a document, a company), it's 'I create'.