Inklingo

How to Say "thought" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “thought” is “pensó” — use this for a completed action of thinking or considering something in the past.

pensóA1

Use this for a completed action of thinking or considering something in the past.

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idea🔊A1

Use this when referring to a concept, plan, or notion that exists in your mind.

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pensado🔊A2

Use this form when 'thought' is used with the auxiliary verb 'haber' (to have), indicating an action completed up to the present.

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pensamiento🔊A2

Use this for the general process or faculty of thinking, or a specific line of thought.

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creyóB1

Use this when 'thought' means assumed, supposed, or believed something to be true in the past.

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esperaba🔊B1

Use this when 'thought' implies an expectation or belief about a future outcome that did not occur.

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reflexiónB1

Use this for a period of deep or careful consideration or contemplation.

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pensara🔊B1

Use this in hypothetical or conditional 'if' clauses, often referring to a subjunctive mood of thinking.

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English → Spanish

pensó

VerbA1General
Use this for a completed action of thinking or considering something in the past.

Examples

Ella pensó en la respuesta por un momento y luego contestó.

She thought about the answer for a moment and then replied.

idea

ee-DEH-ahiˈðe.a

NounA1General
Use this when referring to a concept, plan, or notion that exists in your mind.
A cartoon figure with a brightly glowing lightbulb appearing above their head, symbolizing a new thought or concept.

Examples

Tengo una buena idea.

I have a good idea.

¿Qué es la idea principal del libro?

What is the main idea of the book?

Es una idea brillante para un negocio.

It's a brilliant idea for a business.

Always Feminine: 'la idea'

Even though many words ending in '-ma', '-pa', or '-ta' that come from Greek are masculine (like 'el problema'), 'idea' is an exception and follows the normal rule for words ending in '-a'. So, it's always 'la idea', 'una idea', 'las ideas'.

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “Vi un documental y me gustó *el idea*.”

Correction: Vi un documental y me gustó la idea. Remember, 'idea' is a feminine word, so it uses 'la' and 'una'.

pensado

pen-SAH-dohpenˈsa.ðo

Verb (Past Participle)A2General
Use this form when 'thought' is used with the auxiliary verb 'haber' (to have), indicating an action completed up to the present.
A child sitting cross-legged under a tree, looking calm and resolved. A large, colorful, fully assembled jigsaw puzzle piece floats above their head, symbolizing a completed thought.

Examples

No he pensado en eso todavía.

I haven't thought about that yet.

Habíamos pensado en ir al cine, pero estábamos muy cansados.

We had thought about going to the movies, but we were too tired.

¿Alguna vez has pensado en mudarte a otro país?

Have you ever thought about moving to another country?

Building 'Have Done' Sentences

Use 'pensado' right after a form of the helper verb 'haber' (like 'he', 'has', 'ha') to say what someone 'has thought'. For example, 'He pensado' means 'I have thought'. The '-ado' ending on 'pensado' always stays the same when used this way.

Using 'ser' or 'estar' by Mistake

Mistake: “Estoy pensado en ti.”

Correction: He pensado en ti. To talk about what you 'have' done in the past, always use a form of 'haber', not 'ser' or 'estar'.

pensamiento

pen-sah-MYEN-tohpen.saˈmjen̪.to

NounA2General
Use this for the general process or faculty of thinking, or a specific line of thought.
A simple illustration showing the silhouette of a human head with a glowing lightbulb floating above it, symbolizing the general process of thinking.

Examples

El pensamiento humano es muy complejo.

Human thought is very complex.

La meditación ayuda a calmar el pensamiento.

Meditation helps calm the thinking process.

Always Masculine

Since 'pensamiento' ends in '-o' and refers to an abstract concept, it is always masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un' with it.

creyó

VerbB1General
Use this when 'thought' means assumed, supposed, or believed something to be true in the past.

Examples

Ella creyó que la reunión era a las 3, pero se equivocó.

She thought the meeting was at 3, but she was wrong.

esperaba

es-peh-RAH-bahes.peˈɾa.βa

VerbB1General
Use this when 'thought' implies an expectation or belief about a future outcome that did not occur.
A friendly adult standing in a warmly lit hallway next to an open front door, looking outward with an air of anticipation for an arrival.

Examples

La verdad, no esperaba esa respuesta de ti.

Honestly, I wasn't expecting that answer from you.

Esperaba más gente en la fiesta.

I was expecting more people at the party.

El profesor esperaba un mayor esfuerzo por parte de los alumnos.

The teacher used to expect a greater effort from the students.

reflexión

NounB1General
Use this for a period of deep or careful consideration or contemplation.

Examples

Necesito un momento de reflexión antes de decidir.

I need a moment of reflection before deciding.

pensara

pen-SAH-rahpenˈsaɾa

VerbB1General
Use this in hypothetical or conditional 'if' clauses, often referring to a subjunctive mood of thinking.
A person sitting on a grassy hill, looking up at a floating cloud shaped like a giant castle.

Examples

Si yo pensara eso, no estaría aquí.

If I thought that, I wouldn't be here.

No creía que ella pensara tan rápido.

I didn't think that she would think so fast.

Ojalá él pensara más en su futuro.

I wish he would think more about his future.

The 'What If' Form

This word 'pensara' is used when talking about things that aren't currently true or are hypothetical. It often follows the word 'si' (if).

Dual Identity

This exact word is used for both 'I' (yo) and 'He/She/You-formal' (él/ella/usted). The context of your sentence tells people who you are talking about.

Choosing the wrong 'thought'

Mistake: “Si yo pensé eso...”

Correction: Si yo pensara eso...

Verb vs. Noun: Pensar vs. Idea/Pensamiento

The most common mistake is using a noun like 'idea' or 'pensamiento' when the English 'thought' refers to the action of thinking or a past belief. Remember, 'pensó' or 'creyó' are verbs for the action, while 'idea' is a specific concept and 'pensamiento' is the general process.

Related Translations

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