piense
“piense” means “think” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
think, believeAlso: consider
📝 In Action
Espero que mi jefe piense que hice un buen trabajo.
A2I hope my boss thinks I did a good job.
No creo que Juan piense en el futuro.
B1I don't think Juan thinks about the future.
Dile a tu amigo que piense bien antes de decidir.
A2Tell your friend to think carefully before deciding. (Formal command, 'usted')
Word Connections
plan, intend
📝 In Action
Dudo que ella piense casarse este año.
B1I doubt that she plans to get married this year.
Ojalá que usted piense en una solución diferente.
B2Hopefully, you (formal) will consider a different solution.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: piense
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'piense'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
'Pensar' comes from the Latin verb *pensare*, which originally meant 'to weigh' or 'to balance.' Over time, the meaning shifted from physically weighing objects to mentally weighing ideas, leading to its current meaning 'to think.'
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'piensa' and 'piense'?
'Piensa' is the standard way to talk about what someone *is* thinking right now (e.g., 'Ella piensa que es verdad' - She thinks it is true). 'Piense' is the special form used when you are talking about wishes, doubts, emotions, or influence (e.g., 'Quiero que piense' - I want her to think).
Can I use 'piense' by itself?
Yes, but only as a formal command directed at 'usted' (you). For example, a teacher might say '¡Piense!' (Think!) to a student.