Inklingo

How to Say "they think" in Spanish

English → Spanish

creen

KREH-enˈkɾe.en

VerbA1General
Use 'creen' when expressing a belief, opinion, or supposition about something, similar to saying 'they believe' or 'they suppose.'
Three figures gathered around a table, pointing at a single, glowing lightbulb floating above the table, indicating they share the same opinion or thought.

Examples

Ellos creen que es una buena idea.

They think that it's a good idea.

¿Por qué creen que el proyecto fracasó?

Why do they think the project failed?

Los expertos creen que la economía mejorará pronto.

The experts think the economy will improve soon.

Expressing Opinions with 'que'

To share an opinion, the structure is simple: 'creen que' + the idea. For example, 'Creen que el libro es interesante' (They think that the book is interesting).

A tricky verb change for negative opinions

Mistake: “No creen que es posible.”

Correction: No creen que sea posible. (They don't think it's possible.) When you say you *don't* believe something, Spanish often requires a special verb form (the subjunctive) for the thing you doubt.

piensan

pee-EN-sahnˈpjɛn.san

VerbA1General
Use 'piensan' when referring to the cognitive process of thinking, forming an opinion, or considering something actively, like 'what are they thinking?' or 'they are considering.'
A colorful storybook illustration showing a boy and a girl sitting quietly, both with thought bubbles containing a simple lightbulb symbol above their heads, signifying that they are thinking.

Examples

¿Qué piensan ustedes sobre el nuevo plan?

What do you all think about the new plan?

Ellos piensan viajar a España este verano.

They are planning (or thinking of) traveling to Spain this summer.

Mis amigos piensan que la película fue aburrida.

My friends believe that the movie was boring.

The E → IE Change

The vowel 'e' changes to 'ie' in almost all forms of the present tense (like 'pienso,' 'piensan,' 'piensas'), but not for 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' (pensamos, pensáis).

Thinking ABOUT vs. Thinking OF/BELIEVING

To talk about the subject you are mentally focusing on, use 'pensar en' (Ellos piensan en el futuro). To give an opinion, use 'pensar que' (Ellos piensan que es tarde).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Mis padres pensan ir.”

Correction: Mis padres piensan ir. Remember the vowel change (e becomes ie) in this form.

Mixing Prepositions

Mistake: “Piensan sobre el trabajo.”

Correction: Piensan en el trabajo. Use 'pensar en' when meaning 'to meditate on' or 'focus on'.

Belief vs. Cognitive Act

The most common mistake is using 'piensan' when you mean 'they believe' or 'they suppose.' Remember, 'creen' is for holding a belief or opinion, while 'piensan' is more about the active mental process of thinking or considering.

Related Translations

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