Inklingo

How to Say "opinion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “opinion” is “opinión” — use this for a general personal belief, viewpoint, or judgment that is not necessarily expert or formal.

opiniónA2

Use this for a general personal belief, viewpoint, or judgment that is not necessarily expert or formal.

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concepto🔊B1

Use this to express a personal view or judgment, often implying a more developed or considered idea than a simple 'opinión'. It can also refer to a concept or notion.

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juicio🔊B1

Use this when referring to a personal judgment or assessment, often implying a more considered or reasoned conclusion.

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pensamiento🔊B1

Use this to ask for or share someone's general thoughts or ideas on a topic, similar to 'opinion' but more focused on the thinking process.

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parecer🔊B2

Use this for a more formal or considered personal view or judgment, often carrying more weight than a simple 'opinión'.

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dictamen🔊B2

Use this specifically for an official, expert, or legal ruling, report, or opinion.

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English → Spanish

opinión

nounA2
Use this for a general personal belief, viewpoint, or judgment that is not necessarily expert or formal.

Examples

En mi opinión, esta película es excelente.

In my opinion, this movie is excellent.

concepto

kon-SEP-tohkonˈθepto

nounB1
Use this to express a personal view or judgment, often implying a more developed or considered idea than a simple 'opinión'. It can also refer to a concept or notion.
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-ohˈxwi.sjo

nounB1
Use this when referring to a personal judgment or assessment, often implying a more considered or reasoned conclusion.
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-tohpen.saˈmjen̪.to

nounB1
Use this to ask for or share someone's general thoughts or ideas on a topic, similar to 'opinion' but more focused on the thinking process.
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-SEHRpaɾeˈseɾ

nounB2formal
Use this for a more formal or considered personal view or judgment, often carrying more weight than a simple 'opinión'.
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'.

dictamen

deek-TAH-mendikˈtamen

nounB2formal
Use this specifically for an official, expert, or legal ruling, report, or opinion.
A thick paper document with a golden seal on a wooden desk, representing a formal expert report.

Examples

El comité emitirá su dictamen el próximo lunes.

The committee will issue its report next Monday.

Necesitamos un dictamen pericial para el juicio.

We need an expert opinion for the trial.

El dictamen médico confirmó que no hay lesiones graves.

The medical report confirmed that there are no serious injuries.

Making it Plural

When you make this word plural, it gains an accent mark: 'dictámenes.' This happens to keep the emphasis on the correct syllable.

It's a 'Man' Word

Words ending in '-men' in Spanish are almost always masculine, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Don't use it for casual opinions

Mistake: “Mi dictamen es que la película es mala.”

Correction: Mi opinión es que la película es mala.

General vs. Formal/Expert Opinions

The most common mistake is using 'opinión' for all situations. Remember that 'dictamen' is specifically for official or expert rulings, while 'parecer' and 'juicio' often imply a more formal or reasoned judgment than a simple 'opinión'.

Related Translations

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