Inklingo
Dictionary

pensaban

pen-SAH-bahnpenˈsaβan

“pensaban” means “they thought” in Spanish (expressing a past belief or opinion).

they thought, they were thinkingAlso: they used to think, they were planning

VerbA2stem-changing in present, regular in this form ar
A group of friends sitting together with thoughtful expressions, looking upwards with small glowing light bulbs above their heads to symbolize shared ideas.
gerundpensando
past Participlepensado
infinitivepensar

📝 In Action

Ellos pensaban que la tienda estaba abierta.

A2

They thought the store was open.

¿Qué pensaban ustedes sobre el plan?

A2

What were you all thinking about the plan?

Mis tíos pensaban mudarse el próximo año.

B1

My aunt and uncle were planning to move next year.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pensaban que – they thought that...
  • pensaban en – they were thinking about...
  • pensaban hacer – they were planning to do...

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yopensara
túpensaras
él/ella/ustedpensara
nosotrospensáramos
vosotrospensarais
ellos/ellas/ustedespensaran

Present Subjunctive

yopiense
túpienses
él/ella/ustedpiense
nosotrospensemos
vosotrospenséis
ellos/ellas/ustedespiensen

Indicative

Preterite

yopensé
túpensaste
él/ella/ustedpensó
nosotrospensamos
vosotrospensasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedespensaron

Imperfect

yopensaba
túpensabas
él/ella/ustedpensaba
nosotrospensábamos
vosotrospensabais
ellos/ellas/ustedespensaban

Present

yopienso
túpiensas
él/ella/ustedpiensa
nosotrospensamos
vosotrospensáis
ellos/ellas/ustedespiensan
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pensaban" in Spanish:

they thought

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pensaban

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence means 'They were planning to travel'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
pensar(to think) — Verb
pensamiento(thought) — Noun
pensativo(thoughtful/pensive) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
hablabanmiraban
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'pensare,' which originally meant to weigh something. Over time, 'weighing' an idea in your head became 'thinking.'

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: pensaientItalian: pensavano

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'pensaban' only mean 'they thought'?

No, it also applies to 'ustedes' (you all). So it can mean 'You all thought' as well.

What is the difference between 'pensaban' and 'creían'?

They are very similar! 'Creían' focuses more on a strong belief or conviction, while 'pensaban' is more general about mental activity or planning.