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How to Say "to imagine" in Spanish

English → Spanish

imaginar

ee-mah-hee-NAR/imaɣiˈnaɾ/

VerbA2General
Use 'imaginar' when you mean to form a mental picture or concept of something that is not present or real.
A child smiling while looking up at a brightly colored, imagined object floating above their head, specifically a small, colorful whale with wings.

Examples

No puedo imaginar un mundo sin música.

I can't imagine a world without music.

Ella imagina que su mascota puede hablar.

She pictures that her pet can talk.

¿Qué imaginas que haremos mañana?

What do you imagine we will do tomorrow?

Direct Object Use

When you imagine a specific thing, that thing is the direct object: 'Imagino el viaje' (I imagine the trip).

Confusing 'Imaginar' and 'Soñar'

Mistake: “Using 'soñar' (to dream) when you mean 'to picture something consciously'.”

Correction: 'Imaginar' is for conscious mental pictures; 'soñar' is usually reserved for sleeping or strong aspirations.

soñar

VerbB2Informal/Sarcastic
Use 'soñar' when contemplating a possibility, often in a hypothetical, unrealistic, or even sarcastic way, implying it's unlikely to happen.

Examples

¿Quién soñaría con ir a esa fiesta después de lo que pasó?

Who would even imagine going to that party after what happened?

Imaginar vs. Soñar

Learners often confuse 'imaginar' and 'soñar' because both relate to non-real scenarios. Remember that 'imaginar' is for straightforward mental visualization, while 'soñar' implies a more doubtful or sarcastic contemplation of a possibility.

Related Translations

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