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How to Say "to believe" in Spanish

English → Spanish

creer

/kreh-EHR//kɾeˈeɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'creer' when you are expressing faith, conviction, or a strong assumption that something is true, similar to the English 'to believe' in its most common sense.
A person standing outside, looking up at the sky with a thoughtful expression. A small, clear thought bubble above their head contains a fluffy rain cloud and a single drop of rain, representing an opinion.

Examples

Creo que va a llover.

I believe 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-sar//penˈsaɾ/

VerbA2General
Use 'pensar' when you are stating your opinion or what you hold to be true, functioning more like the English 'to think' when expressing a belief.
Two figures looking at an object, where one figure has a thought bubble containing a golden star, representing a positive opinion or belief.

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).

entender

/en-ten-DEHR//en.tenˈdeɾ/

VerbB1General
Use 'entender' when you are conveying that you comprehend or accept a situation or viewpoint, similar to the English 'to understand' or 'to acknowledge' a belief.
A thoughtful person sitting at a simple desk, looking at a set of small, balanced scales where one side is visibly weighted down, symbolizing forming a belief or considered opinion.

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

The most common confusion is using 'creer' when 'pensar' is more appropriate for stating a personal opinion. While 'creer' implies a stronger conviction, 'pensar' is better for everyday thoughts and opinions you hold.

Related Translations

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