Inklingo

How to Say "i doubt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dudo

DOO-doh/ˈdu.ðo/

VerbA2General
Use 'dudo' when you are expressing direct skepticism or disbelief about something's truth or possibility.
A simple cartoon character looking directly forward with furrowed brows and a slightly tilted head, clearly expressing deep skepticism and uncertainty.

Examples

Dudo que llueva, el cielo está despejado.

I doubt it will rain, the sky is clear.

Dudo que eso sea verdad, no parece lógico.

I doubt that's true, it doesn't seem logical.

Si dudo de algo, siempre pregunto.

If I doubt something, I always ask.

No dudo de tu talento, solo de tu puntualidad.

I don't doubt your talent, just your punctuality.

Doubt triggers uncertainty

When you use 'dudo que' (I doubt that), the next verb must be in the 'special uncertainty form' (the subjunctive) because you are expressing a non-fact. Example: 'Dudo que él esté aquí'.

Using the normal verb form

Mistake: “Dudo que ella *va* a venir.”

Correction: Dudo que ella *vaya* a venir.

sospecho

soh-SPEH-choh/soˈspe.t͡ʃo/

VerbB1General
Use 'sospecho' when you have a feeling or hunch that something might be true or is likely to happen, often implying a lack of concrete evidence.
A stylized illustration of a person hiding behind a large green plant, peering out with a look of intense suspicion and doubt.

Examples

Sospecho que no vendrá a la fiesta.

I suspect he won't come to the party.

Sospecho que la reunión va a ser cancelada.

I suspect that the meeting is going to be canceled.

No tengo pruebas, pero sospecho de su honestidad.

I don't have proof, but I suspect his honesty (I doubt his honesty).

¿Por qué me miras? Sospecho que algo hiciste.

Why are you looking at me? I suspect you did something.

Suspecting Facts vs. Emotions

When you use 'sospechar que' (I suspect that...) to state what you believe is a fact, the verb that follows usually stays in its normal, regular form (the indicative mood). This is because you are expressing a likely reality, not a wish or doubt.

Forgetting 'de' with people

Mistake: “Sospecho al jefe.”

Correction: Sospecho del jefe. (When you suspect a specific person, the verb needs the small word 'de' right before the person.)

Dudo vs. Sospecho: Skepticism vs. Suspicion

The main confusion arises between expressing outright disbelief ('dudo') and having a hunch ('sospecho'). Don't use 'sospecho' when you mean 'I don't believe it'; reserve 'dudo' for situations where you are questioning the veracity or likelihood of something.

Related Translations

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