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How to Say "believe" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “believe” is “crea” — use 'crea' when referring to having faith, trust, or conviction in someone or something, often in the subjunctive mood or as a command..

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crea

KRAY-ah/ˈkɾea/

VerbA1General
Use 'crea' when referring to having faith, trust, or conviction in someone or something, often in the subjunctive mood or as a command.
A child standing in a simple room, gently holding a small, glowing yellow star between their cupped hands, gazing at it with a look of deep conviction and trust.

Examples

Es importante que él crea en sí mismo.

It is important that he believe in himself.

Quiero que usted crea mi versión de la historia.

I want you (formal) to believe my version of the story. (Subjunctive)

¡Crea lo que le digo, por favor!

Believe what I am telling you, please! (Formal command)

The Subjunctive Use

This form ('crea') is most often used in the special mood called the Subjunctive, which is triggered by expressions of desire, emotion, doubt, or necessity (e.g., 'Es necesario que él crea...').

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Saying 'Yo cree...' (I believe) when stating a fact.”

Correction: For stating a fact, use the Indicative: 'Yo creo...' (I believe). 'Yo crea' is only used when the Subjunctive is required.

piense

pee-EN-seh/ˈpjense/

VerbA1General
Use 'piense' when expressing that someone holds a particular opinion or thought, typically in the subjunctive mood.
A young person sits quietly, resting their chin on their hand, deep in contemplation. A simple white thought bubble hovers above their head.

Examples

Espero que mi jefe piense que hice un buen trabajo.

I hope my boss thinks I did a good job.

No creo que Juan piense en el futuro.

I don't think Juan thinks about the future.

Dile a tu amigo que piense bien antes de decidir.

Tell your friend to think carefully before deciding. (Formal command, 'usted')

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.

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.')

Believing vs. Thinking

The most common mistake is using 'creer' (crea) when you mean to express an opinion. Remember, 'creer' implies faith or conviction, while 'pensar' (piense) is for stating an opinion or thought.

Related Translations

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