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How to Say "opinion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word foropinionis opiniónuse this for general, everyday expressions of personal belief or views, the most common and direct translation..

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opinión

NounA2General
Use this for general, everyday expressions of personal belief or views, the most common and direct translation.

Examples

En mi opinión, esta película es excelente.

In my opinion, this movie is excellent.

concepto

kon-SEP-toh/konˈθepto/

NounB1General
Choose this when referring to a personal view or judgment about someone or something's quality or nature, often implying a more developed understanding.
Two simple, stylized characters looking at a brightly colored apple between them. One character is giving a thumbs up, and the other is giving a clear thumbs down, illustrating differing personal views.

Examples

Tengo un buen concepto de tu trabajo.

I have a high opinion of your work.

No quiero que la gente tenga un mal concepto de mí.

I don't want people to have a bad opinion of me.

Mi jefe me dio un concepto favorable en la evaluación.

My boss gave me a favorable assessment in the review.

The 'Assessment' Phrase

When using 'concepto' to mean 'opinion,' you almost always need the verb 'tener' (to have) followed by 'de' (of): 'Tengo un buen concepto de él' (I think highly of him).

juicio

/HWEE-see-oh//ˈxwi.sjo/

NounB1General
Use this when expressing a personal view or judgment, particularly when it involves a decision-making process or assessment.
A simple balance scale with two pans. One pan is lowered significantly, showing a conclusion has been reached.

Examples

A mi juicio, esta es la mejor solución.

In my judgment, this is the best solution.

No emitas un juicio sin conocer todos los hechos.

Don't pass judgment without knowing all the facts.

Su juicio sobre la situación fue muy acertado.

His assessment of the situation was very accurate.

The Phrase 'a mi juicio'

Think of 'a mi juicio' as a slightly more formal or thoughtful way to say 'en mi opinión' (in my opinion). It's a great set phrase to make your Spanish sound more advanced.

pensamiento

pen-sah-MYEN-toh/pen.saˈmjen̪.to/

NounB1General
This term is best for when you want to ask for or share someone's thoughts or considered views on a topic, often implying a process of thinking.
A stylized illustration of a single, white cloud-shaped thought bubble containing a simple drawing of a bright red apple, representing a specific idea or concept.

Examples

¿Puedes compartir tu pensamiento sobre el nuevo plan?

Can you share your thoughts/opinion on the new plan?

Mi pensamiento es que deberíamos esperar hasta mañana.

My idea is that we should wait until tomorrow.

Using Plural for Feelings

When you want to express deep concern or affection for someone, you often use the plural: 'Te llevo en mis pensamientos' (I carry you in my thoughts).

Confusing 'Pensamiento' and 'Idea'

Mistake:Using 'pensamiento' when talking about a clear, specific plan or invention.

Correction: While sometimes interchangeable, 'idea' is often better for a concrete plan. 'Tengo una idea para el proyecto' (I have an idea for the project).

parecer

/pah-reh-SEHR//paɾeˈseɾ/

NounB2Formal
Employ this in more formal contexts to state a considered view or judgment, often used in professional or academic settings.
A simple, vintage wooden balance scale tipped completely down on one side by a heavy block, representing a strong, decided opinion or judgment.

Examples

A mi parecer, es un error.

In my opinion, it is a mistake.

Ella cambió de parecer.

She changed her mind.

Fixed Phrases

As a noun, 'parecer' is almost always found in specific phrases like 'A mi parecer' or 'cambiar de parecer'.

General vs. Formal Opinion

Learners often default to 'opinión' for all situations. Remember that 'parecer' is specifically for more formal contexts, while 'concepto' and 'juicio' imply a more developed or reasoned judgment than a simple 'opinión'.

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