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How to Say "i think" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i think” is “creo” — use 'creo' to express a common opinion, belief, or thought, similar to 'I believe' or 'I think' in everyday conversation..

English → Spanish

creo

/KREH-oh//ˈkɾe.o/

VerbA1General
Use 'creo' to express a common opinion, belief, or thought, similar to 'I believe' or 'I think' in everyday conversation.
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 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...).

pienso

/pyen-so//ˈpjen.so/

VerbA1General
Use 'pienso' when you want to emphasize the act of thinking or forming an opinion, often implying a more considered viewpoint than 'creo'.
A young person sitting alone, resting their chin on their hand, looking contemplative. A stylized question mark floats inside a thought bubble above their head, symbolizing the action of thinking.

Examples

Pienso que va a llover.

I think it's going to rain.

Pienso en ti todos los días.

I think about you every day.

Pienso viajar a México el próximo año.

I plan to travel to Mexico next year.

The 'Boot Verb' Change

The base verb 'pensar' is a 'boot verb'. The 'e' changes to 'ie' for 'yo', 'tú', 'él/ella', and 'ellos/ellas' (the shapes in a verb chart that look like a boot), but not for 'nosotros' or 'vosotros'. Notice: 'pienso' but 'pensamos'.

Thinking 'that' vs. Thinking 'about'

Use 'pienso que' to share an opinion ('Pienso que es fácil' - I think that it's easy). Use 'pienso en' to say what's on your mind ('Pienso en mis vacaciones' - I'm thinking about my vacation).

Using 'sobre' instead of 'en'

Mistake: “Pienso sobre mi familia.”

Correction: To say you're thinking 'about' someone or something, always use 'en'. The correct way is: 'Pienso en mi familia'.

considero

/kon-si-D EH -ro//konsiˈðeɾo/

VerbA2Formal
Use 'considero' when you are expressing a more formal belief or opinion after careful thought, akin to 'I consider' or 'I believe'.
A thoughtful person sitting alone, holding their chin, with a bright lightbulb appearing above their head, symbolizing an emerging opinion.

Examples

Considero que la puntualidad es muy importante.

I consider that punctuality is very important.

Yo considero a mi jefe un buen líder.

I consider my boss a good leader.

Si considero que es necesario, te llamo mañana.

If I consider it necessary, I'll call you tomorrow.

Expressing Opinion

When you use 'considero' to state a fact or your firm belief, the verb that follows usually stays in the normal present tense (the indicative mood). Example: 'Considero que tú eres inteligente.'

parece

/pa-REH-seh//paˈɾe.se/

VerbA2General
Use 'me parece que...' to offer a personal opinion or suggestion, often implying it's not a deeply held conviction, similar to 'it seems to me that...'.
A person tapping their chin thoughtfully, with a glowing lightbulb icon near their head, representing an idea.

Examples

Me parece que deberíamos irnos ya.

I think we should leave now.

¿Qué te parece la idea?

What do you think of the idea?

Me parece una buena solución.

I think it's a good solution.

A ella le parece que el libro es aburrido.

She thinks that the book is boring.

Giving Your Opinion with 'Parecer'

To say what you think, use 'me/te/le parece que...'. The little word in front (me, te, le) shows who has the opinion. For example, 'Me parece' means 'I think' or 'It seems to me'.

Forgetting the word 'que'

Mistake: “Me parece es una buena idea.”

Correction: Me parece QUE es una buena idea. When you follow 'me parece' with a full thought or sentence, you almost always need to connect it with 'que'.

Choosing between 'creo' and 'pienso'

Learners often confuse 'creo' and 'pienso' as they both mean 'I think'. While interchangeable in many casual contexts, 'pienso' can sometimes imply a more deliberate thought process than the more general 'creo'.

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