Inklingo

How to Say "to assume" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to assume” is “suponer” — use 'suponer' when you are guessing or taking something for granted as a likely possibility, similar to 'to suppose' or 'to guess'..

English → Spanish

suponer

/soo-poh-NEHR//su.poˈneɾ/

verbA2
Use 'suponer' when you are guessing or taking something for granted as a likely possibility, similar to 'to suppose' or 'to guess'.
A person looking at a cloudy sky and holding an umbrella, guessing it will rain.

Examples

Supongo que vas a venir a la fiesta.

I suppose you're coming to the party.

No supongas nada hasta que hables con ella.

Don't assume anything until you talk to her.

The 'Poner' Connection

This word is just the word 'poner' (to put) with 'su-' at the start. Every time you change the ending of 'poner,' do the exact same thing for 'suponer'!

The 'Yo' form error

Mistake: “Yo supono”

Correction: Yo supongo

imaginar

ee-mah-hee-NAR/imaɣiˈnaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'imaginar' when you are assuming something is true without confirmation, often in a rhetorical question, similar to 'I imagine' or 'I guess'.
A friendly cartoon character standing between two simple, closed doors, one red and one blue, with a thoughtful, slightly puzzled expression and a small shrug, indicating they are trying to suppose or guess which door to choose.

Examples

Me imagino que ya comiste, ¿verdad?

I imagine you already ate, right?

¿Te imaginas el precio de esa casa?

Can you fathom the price of that house?

Se imaginaron que la reunión sería más corta.

They assumed the meeting would be shorter.

The Reflexive Change

When you add the reflexive pronoun (like 'me' or 'te'), the focus shifts from creating a picture to expressing an internal thought or assumption about reality.

Common Phrase

Use 'Me imagino que...' as a very natural, polite way to introduce an assumption in conversation.

asumir

ah-soo-MEER/a.suˈmiɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'asumir' when you are officially taking on a responsibility, role, or position, like 'to take on' or 'to accept'.
A small person happily lifting a large, heavy-looking gold key onto their shoulder, symbolizing taking on a new responsibility or role.

Examples

Ella asumió el liderazgo del equipo la semana pasada.

She took on the leadership of the team last week.

Si cometes un error, debes asumir la responsabilidad.

If you make a mistake, you must assume the responsibility.

It's a Transitive Verb

This verb usually needs a direct object (a thing or responsibility) right after it. For example, you 'asumir' something (la culpa, el cargo, la tarea).

Confusing 'Asumir' and 'Suponer'

Mistake: “Using 'asumir' when you just mean 'to guess' or 'to think.'”

Correction: Use 'suponer' or 'creer' for mental guesses. Use 'asumir' when someone is physically or emotionally taking on a duty or situation.

tomarte

/toh-MAHR-teh//toˈmaɾte/

verb + pronoun contractionA2
Use 'tomarte' (from 'tomarse') when you are adopting a particular attitude, state, or behavior, often implying a need for rest or a change in approach, like 'to take' a break or 'to adopt' an attitude.
A colorful illustration showing a happy person peacefully relaxing in a bright yellow hammock tied to two palm trees, representing taking a break or time for oneself.

Examples

Necesitas tomarte un descanso después de ese viaje.

You need to take a break after that trip.

Intenta no tomarte las críticas tan personalmente.

Try not to take the criticism so personally (to heart).

¿Qué vas a tomarte?

What are you going to have (to drink/eat)?

Infinitive + Pronoun

‘Tomarte’ is made of the base verb 'tomar' (to take) and the pronoun 'te' (you, informal). When you use 'te' with an infinitive, you always attach it to the end of the verb.

The Reflexive Use (Tomarse)

When 'tomar' is used as 'tomarse,' it means the action is done to or for yourself. For example, 'tomarse un café' means 'to have a coffee (for oneself).'

Incorrect Pronoun Placement

Mistake: “Te necesito tomar un descanso.”

Correction: Necesito tomarte un descanso. (Infinitive construction allows the pronoun to be placed before the conjugated verb OR attached to the infinitive.)

Guessing vs. Taking Responsibility

The most common confusion is between 'suponer'/'imaginar' and 'asumir'. Remember that 'suponer' and 'imaginar' are about guessing or supposing something is true, while 'asumir' means to formally accept a duty or role. Don't use 'asumir' for simple guesses.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.