How to Say "to believe" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to believe” is “creer” — use 'creer' when you are stating that you hold something to be true or factual, similar to 'to think' or 'to have faith in'.
creer
kreh-EHRkɾeˈeɾ
Examples
Creo que va a llover.
I think it's going to rain.
Ellos no creen la historia.
They don't believe the story.
¿Crees que es una buena idea?
Do you think it's a good idea?
Stating Beliefs vs. Expressing Doubt
When you state a belief with 'creo que...', use the normal verb form. Example: 'Creo que es verdad' (I think it's true). But when you express doubt with 'no creo que...', the next verb changes to a special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'No creo que sea verdad' (I don't think it's true). This is a key difference from English!
Mixing up 'creer' and 'pensar'
Mistake: “'Pienso que va a llover.'”
Correction: 'Creo que va a llover.' While both mean 'to think', 'creer' is much more common for expressing everyday opinions and beliefs. Use 'pensar' more for the active process of thinking or pondering.
pensar
pen-sarpenˈsaɾ
Examples
Pienso que es una buena idea.
I think that it's a good idea.
¿Qué piensas de la nueva ley?
What do you think of the new law?
Ellos piensan que vamos a ganar.
They think that we are going to win.
Use 'que' for opinions
When you want to say 'I think that...', use the structure 'pienso que...'. That little word 'que' connects your thought to your opinion. Example: 'Pienso que la película es buena.'
A special change for negative opinions
When you say 'I don't think that...', the verb that follows often changes to a special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'No pienso que sea una buena idea' (I don't think it is a good idea).
Using 'en' instead of 'que'
Mistake: “Pienso en es una buena idea.”
Correction: Use 'que' to introduce an opinion: 'Pienso que es una buena idea.' Use 'en' for what's on your mind: 'Pienso en ti' (I'm thinking about you).
opinar
oh-pee-NAHRopiˈnaɾ
Examples
¿Qué opinas sobre la nueva película?
What do you think about the new movie?
Yo opino que deberíamos salir más temprano.
I think (my opinion is) that we should leave earlier.
Muchos expertos opinan que la economía mejorará pronto.
Many experts believe that the economy will improve soon.
Using 'que' after the verb
Just like in English we say 'I think THAT...', in Spanish you almost always follow 'opinar' with 'que' when you are about to state your thought.
Opinar vs. Pensar
While both mean 'to think,' use 'opinar' specifically when you want to emphasize that it is your personal viewpoint or judgment on a topic.
Using 'de' instead of 'sobre'
Mistake: “¿Qué opinas de el libro?”
Correction: ¿Qué opinas sobre el libro? (While 'de' is sometimes used, 'sobre' is the clearer way to say 'about' a topic).
entender
en-ten-DEHRen.tenˈdeɾ
Examples
Entiendo que no es fácil, pero debemos intentarlo.
I understand (believe) that it's not easy, but we must try.
Según entiendo, la reunión es mañana a las diez.
As I understand it (I believe), the meeting is tomorrow at ten.
El director entendió que era mejor posponer la decisión.
The director was of the opinion that it was better to postpone the decision.
Stating Beliefs as Facts
When you use 'entender que' to state your opinion, the next verb is usually a normal, factual form. For example, 'Entiendo que es difícil' (I believe it is difficult). You're presenting your belief as a fact.
Creer vs. Pensar for Opinions
Related Translations
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