piense
/pee-EN-seh/
think
Piense can mean 'think' (mental reflection).
piense(Verb)
think
?mental reflection or opinion (Subjunctive)
,believe
?to hold an opinion (Subjunctive)
consider
?to reflect on something
📝 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')
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Mood
'Piense' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when the sentence expresses doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty about the act of thinking. It usually follows words like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'no creo que' (I don't believe that).
Stem Change Reminder
The infinitive is 'pensar,' but the root vowel 'e' changes to 'ie' in many forms, including 'piense.' This change happens to keep the sound consistent.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
Mistake: "No creo que él piensa."
Correction: No creo que él piense. (When you express doubt or negation, Spanish requires the subjunctive form 'piense,' not the standard present form 'piensa.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
Use 'piense' when giving a formal command to one person ('usted'): 'Piense en las consecuencias' (Think about the consequences).
Piense can also mean 'plan' (to make arrangements).
piense(Verb)
plan
?to make arrangements (Subjunctive)
,intend
?to have a purpose or goal (Subjunctive)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Planning Future Actions
When 'pensar' means 'to plan to do something,' it is often followed directly by another verb in its base form (infinitive), or by the preposition 'en' if followed by a noun or idea.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: piense
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'piense'?
📚 More Resources
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.