Inklingo

How to Say "to consider" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to consider” is “considerar” — use 'considerar' when you are thinking about something seriously or evaluating options before making a decision..

English → Spanish

considerar

kon-see-deh-RAR/konsiðeˈɾaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'considerar' when you are thinking about something seriously or evaluating options before making a decision.
A young person sitting alone on a park bench, focusing intently on a single red apple they hold in their hands, symbolizing deep consideration.

Examples

Estamos considerando comprar una casa más grande.

We are considering buying a bigger house.

Por favor, considera mi propuesta antes de rechazarla.

Please, consider my proposal before rejecting it.

No has considerado el factor tiempo en tu plan.

You haven't taken the time factor into account in your plan.

Following 'Considerar'

'Considerar' can be followed directly by another verb in its base form (infinitive), just like in English: 'Consideramos viajar' (We consider traveling/to travel).

pensar

/pen-sar//penˈsaɾ/

verbA1informal
Use 'pensar' when you need time to think, reflect, or weigh different possibilities in a general sense.
A person sitting quietly, chin resting on their hand, with a glowing light bulb floating above their head, symbolizing an idea or deep thought.

Examples

Necesito tiempo para pensar.

I need time to think.

Pienso, luego existo.

I think, therefore I am.

¿En qué piensas?

What are you thinking about?

The 'e' sometimes changes to 'ie'

Notice how in 'yo pienso', the 'e' from 'pensar' becomes 'ie'. This happens in some forms (like the present tense), but not all. For 'nosotros' (we), it stays as 'e': 'pensamos'.

Thinking 'about' someone or something

To say you are thinking about something or someone, you almost always use the little word 'en' after 'pensar'. For example: 'Pienso en mis vacaciones' (I'm thinking about my vacation).

Considerar vs. Pensar

Learners often confuse 'considerar' and 'pensar'. Remember that 'considerar' implies a more serious, deliberate evaluation, like when making a significant decision. 'Pensar' is more general, simply meaning to think or reflect.

Related Translations

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