How to Say "to foretell" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to foretell” is “predecir” — use 'predecir' for general predictions, especially those based on observation or logical deduction, like weather forecasts or statistical trends.
Use 'predecir' for general predictions, especially those based on observation or logical deduction, like weather forecasts or statistical trends.
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Choose 'adivinar' when referring to predictions that are more intuitive, mystical, or involve guessing, often associated with fortune-telling or supernatural insight.
Learn more →pre-deh-SEERpɾeðeˈsiɾ
Examples
Es difícil predecir el tiempo en esta ciudad.
It is difficult to predict the weather in this city.
Los científicos no pueden predecir cuándo ocurrirá el próximo terremoto.
Scientists cannot predict when the next earthquake will happen.
Nadie predijo que la película tendría tanto éxito.
Nobody predicted that the movie would have so much success.
The 'Saying' Pattern
This verb follows the same pattern as 'decir' (to say), meaning the 'yo' form changes to 'predigo' and many other forms use a 'g' or 'j'.
Special Past Form
When saying 'predicted' as an adjective (the past participle), use 'predicho'. Never use 'predecido'.
The 'predecido' Error
Mistake: “He predecido el resultado.”
Correction: He predicho el resultado. (Spanish uses an irregular form for 'predicted' just like 'dicho' for 'said'.)
ah-dee-vee-NARaðiβiˈnaɾ
Examples
La gitana adivinó que me casaría antes de fin de año.
The gypsy predicted that I would get married before the end of the year.
Parece que el meteorólogo adivinó el clima de esta semana.
It seems the meteorologist predicted the weather this week.
Used with 'Que'
When 'adivinar' introduces a full idea about the future, it is followed by 'que' and usually the future tense or conditional tense (depending on certainty): 'Adiviné que llovería' (I predicted it would rain).
Prediction vs. Fortune-Telling
Learners often confuse 'predecir' and 'adivinar'. Remember that 'predecir' is for logical or scientific forecasts, like predicting the economy. 'Adivinar' is for predictions that feel more like a guess or a supernatural insight, like a psychic telling your future.
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