Inklingo

How to Say "i believe" in Spanish

English → Spanish

creo

/KREH-oh//ˈkɾe.o/

VerbA1General
Use 'creo' when you want to express a personal opinion, faith, or conviction about something being true or likely.
A person looking thoughtfully at a cloudy sky with a thought bubble above their head containing a single raindrop, illustrating the meaning 'I think'.

Examples

Creo que va a llover mañana.

I believe it's going to rain tomorrow.

Creo que es una buena idea.

I think it's a good idea.

No creo en los fantasmas.

I don't believe in ghosts.

Creo que sí, podemos ir al cine.

I think so, we can go to the movies.

Stating Beliefs: 'Creo que' + Normal Verb

When you say 'Creo que...' to state what you think is true, the verb that follows is usually in its normal, regular form. For example, 'Creo que es fácil' (I think it's easy).

Expressing Doubt vs. Belief

Mistake: “A common mix-up is saying 'Creo que sea bueno' when you mean 'I think it's good'.”

Correction: Use 'Creo que es bueno'. The special verb form 'sea' is used for doubt, especially after 'No creo que...' (I don't think that...).

entiendo

/en-tyen-doh//en̪ˈt̪jen̪.d̪o/

VerbB1General
Use 'entiendo' when you want to convey that you understand or acknowledge a situation or someone's viewpoint, often implying a supposition.
A character carefully examining a single, perfectly fitted wooden puzzle piece, suggesting acceptance of a piece of information as true.

Examples

Entiendo que tienes otras prioridades.

I understand (I take it) that you have other priorities.

Entiendo que no estás de acuerdo con la decisión.

I understand (I take it) that you don't agree with the decision.

Según entiendo, el nuevo reglamento entra en vigor mañana.

As I understand it, the new regulation takes effect tomorrow.

Entiendo que la situación es complicada, pero debemos encontrar una solución.

I understand (I believe) that the situation is complicated, but we must find a solution.

Stating Beliefs

When you use "Entiendo que..." to state something you believe is a fact, the verb that comes next is usually in its normal form (the indicative). For example: "Entiendo que el vuelo está retrasado." (I understand the flight is delayed.)

Choosing between 'creo' and 'entiendo'

The main pitfall is using 'entiendo' when you simply want to state a belief or opinion. 'Creo' is for what you think or have faith in, while 'entiendo' is more about acknowledging or supposing based on understanding.

Related Translations

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