Inklingo

How to Say "i guess" in Spanish

English → Spanish

supongo

/soo-PONG-go//suˈpoŋ.ɡo/

VerbA2Informal
Use 'supongo' for a general, informal assumption or when you think something is probably true, often in everyday conversation.
A child looking thoughtful and slightly uncertain, symbolizing making an assumption or guess.

Examples

Supongo que ya sabes la respuesta.

I suppose you already know the answer.

Supongo que tienes razón.

I suppose you're right.

El tren llegará tarde, supongo.

The train will be late, I guess.

Supongo que no hay otra opción.

I assume there's no other option.

Expressing Guesses with 'que'

Use 'supongo que...' to introduce something you think is true but aren't 100% sure about. It's the perfect Spanish equivalent of 'I guess that...' or 'I suppose that...'.

Which Verb Form Follows?

After 'supongo que', you almost always use a normal, statement-making verb form (what's technically called the 'indicative'). Think of it this way: you are stating what you suppose. For example, 'Supongo que estás cansado' (I suppose you are tired).

Certainty vs. Supposition

Mistake: “Using 'supongo' when you are certain about something. For example: 'Supongo que mi cumpleaños es en junio' (when you know it is).”

Correction: Use 'sé' for facts ('Sé que mi cumpleaños es en junio'). Keep 'supongo' for your guesses, assumptions, and opinions that aren't facts.

imagino

ee-mah-HEE-noh/i.maˈxi.no/

VerbB1Neutral
Use 'imagino' when you are hypothesizing or imagining a situation, often implying a slightly more formal or considered guess than 'supongo'.
A character standing with one hand raised in a slight shrug and the other hand touching their chin, wearing a slightly puzzled expression, suggesting they are making an assumption or supposing something.

Examples

Imagino que el viaje será largo.

I imagine the trip will be long.

Imagino que tienes hambre después de un día tan largo.

I suppose you are hungry after such a long day.

No imagino cuánto dinero cuesta ese coche nuevo.

I can't imagine (I have no idea) how much that new car costs.

Imagino que el jefe estará contento con el resultado.

I guess the boss will be happy with the result.

Follow-up Verb Form

When 'imagino' is followed by 'que' and another complete thought (like 'que tienes hambre'), the second verb usually stays in its normal present tense form (the indicative mood) because you are expressing a confident belief.

Supongo vs. Imagino Formality

The most common mistake is using 'imagino' in very casual situations where 'supongo' would sound more natural. While 'imagino' can mean 'I guess,' think of it as more like 'I imagine' or 'I hypothesize,' which is often a step removed from a simple, everyday guess.

Related Translations

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