pensador
“pensador” means “thinker” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
thinker
Also: philosopher, intellectual
📝 In Action
Sócrates fue un gran pensador de la antigua Grecia.
B1Socrates was a great thinker from ancient Greece.
Mi abuelo siempre fue un pensador profundo y silencioso.
B1My grandfather was always a deep and quiet thinker.
El país necesita un pensador crítico para resolver este dilema.
B2The country needs a critical thinker to solve this dilemma.
thinking
Also: thoughtful
📝 In Action
Es un hombre muy pensador y rara vez habla sin reflexionar.
B2He is a very thinking man and rarely speaks without reflecting.
El ser humano es un animal pensador.
B2The human being is a thinking animal.
Su mirada pensadora sugería que estaba tramando algo.
C1His thoughtful gaze suggested he was up to something.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pensador
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'pensador' correctly as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'pensar' (to think), which comes from the Latin 'pensare' meaning 'to weigh.' The idea is that thinking is like 'weighing' different options or ideas in your mind.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pensador' the same as 'filósofo'?
They are very close! A 'filósofo' usually has a degree or formal study in philosophy, whereas a 'pensador' is a broader term for anyone known for their deep or influential ideas.
Can I use 'pensador' to describe someone who is quiet and worried?
Not usually. For someone who looks worried or lost in thought at a specific moment, use 'pensativo'.
Does 'pensador' have a feminine version?
Yes, for a woman you would use 'pensadora,' but the core meaning of being a thinker remains the same.