Inklingo
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pensamiento

/pen-sah-MYEN-toh/

thought

A simple illustration showing the silhouette of a human head with a glowing lightbulb floating above it, symbolizing the general process of thinking.

Pensamiento as "thought" (the general process of thinking).

pensamiento(noun)

mA2

thought

?

The general process of thinking

,

thinking

?

The activity of the mind

📝 In Action

El pensamiento humano es muy complejo.

B1

Human thought is very complex.

La meditación ayuda a calmar el pensamiento.

A2

Meditation helps calm the thinking process.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reflexión (reflection)
  • meditación (meditation)

Common Collocations

  • libre pensamiento – free thought
  • flujo de pensamiento – stream of consciousness

💡 Grammar Points

Always Masculine

Since 'pensamiento' ends in '-o' and refers to an abstract concept, it is always masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un' with it.

⭐ Usage Tips

Abstract Noun

Use this meaning when discussing the act or capacity of the mind, similar to 'intelligence' or 'emotion'.

A stylized illustration of a single, white cloud-shaped thought bubble containing a simple drawing of a bright red apple, representing a specific idea or concept.

Pensamiento as a specific "idea" or concept.

pensamiento(noun)

mB1

idea

?

A specific notion or concept

,

opinion

?

A view or judgment

Also:

message

?

The underlying meaning of a speech or text

📝 In Action

¿Puedes compartir tu pensamiento sobre el nuevo plan?

B1

Can you share your thoughts/opinion on the new plan?

Mi pensamiento es que deberíamos esperar hasta mañana.

B1

My idea is that we should wait until tomorrow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • idea (idea)
  • opinión (opinion)

Common Collocations

  • tener un pensamiento – to have a thought/idea
  • primer pensamiento – first thought

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar en mis pensamientos – to be on my mind/I'm thinking of you

💡 Grammar Points

Using Plural for Feelings

When you want to express deep concern or affection for someone, you often use the plural: 'Te llevo en mis pensamientos' (I carry you in my thoughts).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Pensamiento' and 'Idea'

Mistake: "Using 'pensamiento' when talking about a clear, specific plan or invention."

Correction: While sometimes interchangeable, 'idea' is often better for a concrete plan. 'Tengo una idea para el proyecto' (I have an idea for the project).

A close-up illustration of a single, colorful pansy flower with characteristic purple, yellow, and white petals, sitting on a short green stem.

Pensamiento as the small flowering plant, the "pansy."

pensamiento(noun)

mC1

pansy

?

A small flowering plant (Viola tricolor)

📝 In Action

Plantamos unos pensamientos morados en el jardín.

B2

We planted some purple pansies in the garden.

💡 Grammar Points

Historical Connection

This flower is named 'pensamiento' because, historically, its nodding head was thought to resemble a person deep in contemplation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pensamiento

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'pensamiento' is used when talking about the flower?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

pensar(to think) - verb
pensador(thinker) - noun
pensativo(thoughtful) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'pensamiento' singular or plural when referring to a person's core beliefs?

It is often used in the plural ('pensamientos') when referring to a collection of someone's deep views, feelings, or philosophical ideas, like 'sus pensamientos políticos' (his political thoughts).

How is 'pensamiento' different from 'idea'?

'Pensamiento' (Definition 1) often refers to the broad, abstract capacity or process of thinking. 'Idea' usually refers to a single, concrete concept or plan that results from that process. However, in common conversation (Definition 2), they can often be used interchangeably.