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How to Say "to guess" in Spanish

English → Spanish

creer

/kreh-EHR//kɾeˈeɾ/

verbA1informal
Use 'creer' when you are making an informal estimate or forming an opinion about something, similar to 'to think' or 'to believe'.
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 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.

suponer

/soo-poh-NEHR//su.poˈneɾ/

verbA2informal
Use 'suponer' for an informal estimation or assumption about a future event or a current situation, often translated as 'to suppose' or 'to assume'.
A person looking at a cloudy sky and holding an umbrella, guessing it will rain.

Examples

Supongo que vas a venir a la fiesta.

I suppose you're coming to the party.

No supongas nada hasta que hables con ella.

Don't assume anything until you talk to her.

The 'Poner' Connection

This word is just the word 'poner' (to put) with 'su-' at the start. Every time you change the ending of 'poner,' do the exact same thing for 'suponer'!

The 'Yo' form error

Mistake: “Yo supono”

Correction: Yo supongo

adivinar

ah-dee-vee-NAR/aðiβiˈnaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'adivinar' specifically when trying to find the correct answer to a puzzle, riddle, question, or unknown fact, meaning 'to guess' or 'to figure out'.
A small child with a hopeful expression pointing toward one of two identical closed wooden boxes sitting on a table, symbolizing making a guess.

Examples

Intenta adivinar mi edad. ¡Es imposible!

Try to guess my age. It's impossible!

No pude adivinar la respuesta correcta del juego.

I couldn't guess the correct answer to the game.

¿Cómo adivinaste que iba a llamarte?

How did you know (figure out/guess) I was going to call you?

Regular -AR Verb

This verb is easy because it follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar. Just remember the endings: -o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.

When to use 'Adivinar'

Use 'adivinar' when you are making a guess based on intuition or limited information, rather than using 'calcular' (to calculate) which implies math or logic.

Confusing 'Adivinar' and 'Averiguar'

Mistake: “Using 'adivinar' when you mean 'to find out' (averiguar) by investigation or research.”

Correction: Use 'adivinar' only for guessing. If you found the information, say 'Averigüé la verdad' (I found out the truth).

Estimates vs. Puzzles

The most common mistake is using 'adivinar' for general estimations. Remember, 'adivinar' is for when there's a specific correct answer you're trying to find, like in a game or quiz. For general beliefs or assumptions, use 'creer' or 'suponer'.

Related Translations

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