Inklingo

How to Say "to consider" in Spanish

English → Spanish

considerar

kon-see-deh-RARkonsiðeˈɾaɾ

verbB1
Use 'considerar' when you are thinking about something seriously or making a deliberate evaluation.
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-sarpenˈsaɾ

verbA1
Use 'pensar' when you need time to reflect on options or make a decision, often a more general 'to think'.
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).

contemplar

kohn-tehm-PLAHRkontemˈplaɾ

verbB1
Use 'contemplar' when you are thinking about a future possibility or option, often a more formal or abstract consideration.
A person sitting under a tree with their hand on their chin, looking thoughtful.

Examples

Estamos contemplando la posibilidad de mudarnos.

We are considering the possibility of moving.

El plan no contempla los gastos de viaje.

The plan doesn't take travel expenses into account.

Debes contemplar todas las opciones antes de decidir.

You must consider all options before deciding.

Using it with actions

When you are considering 'doing' something, follow this word with a noun like 'la posibilidad de' (the possibility of) rather than just a raw action word.

Thinking vs. Gazing

Mistake: “Contemplo ir al cine.”

Correction: Contemplo la idea de ir al cine. It sounds more natural to say you 'consider the idea' of doing something.

estimar

es-tee-MARestiˈmaɾ

verbB1
Use 'estimar' when you are making a judgment or calculation, especially about cost, quantity, or time.
A person holding a wooden basket full of red apples and looking thoughtful while judging its weight.

Examples

El mecánico estima que el arreglo costará doscientos euros.

The mechanic estimates that the repair will cost two hundred euros.

Te estimo mucho por todo el apoyo que me has dado.

I value you very much for all the support you have given me.

El juez estimó que las pruebas eran insuficientes.

The judge considered that the evidence was insufficient.

Using 'estimar' with People

When you say you 'estimar' a person, you mean you have high regard or affection for them. It's less romantic than 'amar' (love) and slightly more formal than 'querer'.

Estimar with Opinions

In formal settings, instead of saying 'I think,' use 'estimo que' to sound more professional when providing a judgment or calculation.

Using 'estimar' for 'love'

Mistake: “Estimo a mi novia mucho.”

Correction: Quiero mucho a mi novia (or amo). 'Estimar' is more about professional respect or a friendly 'value' rather than romantic passion.

Considerar vs. Pensar

Learners often confuse 'considerar' and 'pensar'. Use 'considerar' for serious deliberation or evaluation of a specific option. Use 'pensar' for general thinking or weighing choices when you need time to decide.

Related Translations

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