I don't think so
in SpanishNo creo
/NOH KREH-oh/
This is the most direct, common, and universally understood way to say 'I don't think so.' It's a straightforward expression of doubt or disagreement suitable for most situations.
Sometimes you have to disagree. Phrases like 'No creo' are perfect for expressing a different opinion in everyday chats.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Creo que no
/KREH-oh keh NOH/
Essentially identical to 'No creo,' this is just a different word order. The meaning and usage are the same, and it's just as common. Choosing between them is purely a matter of personal preference or flow of the sentence.
Pienso que no
/PYEHN-soh keh NOH/
This version uses the verb 'pensar' (to think) instead of 'creer' (to believe/think). In this context, they are practically synonyms. It’s a very common and perfectly natural alternative.
No me parece
/noh meh pah-REH-seh/
This translates to 'It doesn't seem so to me.' It's a slightly softer and more subjective way to disagree, as you're framing it as your personal perception rather than a direct contradiction.
Lo dudo
/loh DOO-doh/
Meaning 'I doubt it,' this is a stronger way to express disbelief than 'No creo.' It implies you have a good reason to be skeptical about what was said.
Diría que no
/dee-REE-ah keh NOH/
This means 'I would say no.' It's a very polite, indirect, and somewhat formal way to express a negative opinion. It softens the disagreement considerably.
No estoy seguro/a
/noh ehs-TOY seh-GOO-roh/ah/
Meaning 'I'm not sure,' this is a gentle way to express doubt without directly disagreeing. It leaves room for the other person to be right while still showing you're not convinced.
Qué va
/keh BAH/
A very common and colloquial expression in Spain that means something like 'No way!', 'Come on!', or 'Not at all!'. It expresses strong, often surprised, disagreement or disbelief.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best way to say 'I don't think so' based on the situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| No creo / Creo que no | Neutral | Everyday, all-purpose disagreement in most situations. | You need to be extremely formal or diplomatic. |
| No me parece | Neutral | Politely disagreeing by framing it as your personal perspective. | You want to express very strong, certain disagreement. |
| Lo dudo | Neutral | Expressing strong skepticism or when you're almost certain something isn't true. | You want to be gentle or avoid sounding too assertive. |
| Diría que no | Formal | Being very diplomatic and indirect in professional or formal settings. | Casual conversations with friends, where it might sound stiff. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds in 'No creo' are very straightforward for English speakers. No tricky letters or rolls.
The structure is very simple and doesn't require complex grammatical knowledge.
The main challenge is not the phrase itself, but knowing which variation to use to match the desired level of politeness and directness.
Key Challenges:
- Choosing the right level of directness for the social context.
- Remembering to use softer variations like 'No me parece' in professional settings.
💡Examples in Action
—¿Crees que va a llover hoy? —Mmm, no creo, el cielo está bastante despejado.
—Do you think it's going to rain today? —Mmm, I don't think so, the sky is pretty clear.
—El nuevo proyecto será fácil de implementar. —No me parece. Hay varios factores que no hemos considerado.
—The new project will be easy to implement. —I don't think so (It doesn't seem so to me). There are several factors we haven't considered.
—¿Crees que a María le gustó la sorpresa? —Pienso que no, no sonrió ni una vez.
—Do you think Maria liked the surprise? —I don't think so, she didn't smile once.
—Él dice que puede terminar todo el trabajo para mañana. —Lo dudo mucho, es demasiado.
—He says he can finish all the work by tomorrow. —I highly doubt it, it's too much.
🌍Cultural Context
The Art of Soft Disagreement
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, direct contradiction can be seen as impolite, especially in professional or formal settings. Phrases like 'No me parece' (It doesn't seem so to me) are popular because they frame the disagreement as a personal perspective, which is softer and more collaborative than a blunt 'No.'
'Creer' vs. 'Pensar'
While both 'creer' and 'pensar' translate to 'to think' in this context, 'creer' often carries a hint of belief or gut feeling, whereas 'pensar' can imply a more reasoned thought process. In daily conversation, however, they are used almost interchangeably for expressing opinions like 'I don't think so.'
Expressiveness and Body Language
Saying 'No creo' is often accompanied by non-verbal cues. A slight, slow shake of the head, a raised eyebrow, or a pensive look can all add meaning. Pay attention to these gestures when you're talking with native speakers to understand the full context.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'No pienso' by Itself
Mistake: "A learner might just say 'No pienso.' to mean 'I don't think so.'"
Correction: Pienso que no.
Overly Literal Translation
Mistake: "Translating 'I don't think so' literally as 'Yo no pienso así.'"
Correction: No creo. / Creo que no.
Ignoring Formality
Mistake: "Using a very informal phrase like 'Qué va' in a business meeting."
Correction: No me parece. / Diría que no.
💡Pro Tips
Add a Softener
To sound more natural and less abrupt, you can add a 'filler' word at the beginning. Starting with 'Pues...' (Well...), 'Mmm...' or 'La verdad...' (To be honest...) makes your disagreement sound more thoughtful and less confrontational.
Be Ready to Explain Why
After you say 'No creo' or a similar phrase, the natural follow-up question is '¿Por qué?' (Why?). Be prepared to briefly explain your reasoning. This shows you're engaging in the conversation, not just shutting it down.
Match the Other Person's Verb
A simple trick to sound natural is to echo the verb the other person used. If they ask '¿Crees que...?' (Do you think/believe...?), responding with 'No creo' is a perfect match. If they ask '¿Piensas que...?' (Do you think...?), responding with 'Pienso que no' flows very well.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Spaniards, especially in informal contexts, have a rich vocabulary of colloquial expressions to show disbelief. Phrases like 'Qué va' are extremely common among friends and convey a friendly, energetic disagreement.
Mexico
In Mexico, politeness is often valued, so softening the phrase is common. Saying 'La verdad, no creo' (Honestly, I don't think so) is a gentle way to disagree. '¿Cómo crees?' (How can you think that?) is an informal way to express surprised disbelief.
Argentina
Argentinians are known for being quite direct. While 'No creo' is standard, the tone of voice carries a lot of weight. The informal 'Ni a palos' (which literally means 'not even by being beaten with sticks') is a very strong, colloquial way to say 'no way'.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say 'No creo'
¿Por qué no?
Why not?
Porque el pronóstico dice que hará sol.
Because the forecast says it will be sunny.
You disagree with someone's opinion
¿Ah, no? ¿Tú qué piensas?
Oh, no? What do you think?
Pues, yo creo que la otra opción es mejor.
Well, I think the other option is better.
You express doubt about a plan
Estoy seguro de que funcionará.
I'm sure it will work.
Ojalá, pero no estoy convencido/a.
I hope so, but I'm not convinced.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the wider range of socially acceptable 'softeners' in Spanish. While English has 'I'm not so sure' or 'I don't know about that,' Spanish has readily available phrases like 'No me parece' that elegantly shift the disagreement from objective fact to subjective perception, which is a common strategy for maintaining politeness.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Translating this as 'No pienso' is a classic mistake. In Spanish, this phrase on its own implies you are not actively using your brain, rather than expressing a negative opinion.
Use instead: To express 'I don't think so,' you must complete the phrase: 'Pienso que no' or 'No creo'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'I think so'
It's the direct opposite and a natural conversational counterpart.
How to say 'I agree'
This is another essential phrase for expressing opinions and participating in discussions.
How to say 'I'm not sure'
This is a key alternative for when you want to express doubt without full disagreement.
How to ask 'What do you think?'
After giving your opinion, it's polite and conversational to ask for theirs.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: I don't think so
Question 1 of 3
You are in a business meeting and your boss suggests an idea you disagree with. What is the most polite and professional way to say 'I don't think so'?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real difference between 'No creo' and 'Creo que no'?
Honestly, there is almost no difference in meaning or formality. They both mean 'I don't think so' and are used interchangeably. It's purely a stylistic choice, like saying 'I think not' versus 'I don't think so' in English, though in Spanish both versions are equally common.
Is it rude to say 'No creo'?
No, it's not inherently rude. It's a neutral and very common phrase. However, tone of voice matters a lot. For sensitive topics or in formal situations, you might choose a softer option like 'No me parece' to be extra polite.
Can I say 'Yo no creo' to emphasize it's my opinion?
Yes, you absolutely can. Adding the 'yo' (I) at the beginning adds emphasis. You might say 'Pues, yo no creo' to gently contrast your opinion with someone else's. It's not necessary, but it's a common way to add a bit of personal emphasis.
How do I make 'I don't think so' sound stronger?
To show stronger disagreement or disbelief, 'Lo dudo' (I doubt it) is a great option. For a very strong, definitive statement, you could say 'Estoy seguro/a de que no' (I'm sure that's not the case) or, more informally, 'Para nada' (Not at all).
What's the difference between 'No creo' and 'No sé'?
'No creo' means 'I don't think so,' which implies you have an opinion, and that opinion is negative. 'No sé' means 'I don't know,' which means you don't have an opinion or the information to form one. Use 'No creo' to disagree and 'No sé' to state a lack of knowledge.
📚Continue Learning Spanish Phrases
Explore More Phrases in These Categories
Find similar phrases to expand your Spanish vocabulary:
Want to Learn More Spanish Phrases?
Browse our complete collection of Spanish phrases organized by situation, from basic greetings to advanced conversations. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone learning Spanish.
View All Spanish Phrases →