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How to Say "to imagine" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to imagine” is “imaginar” — use this word for the general act of picturing something in your mind, the most common translation for 'to imagine'.

English → Spanish

imaginar

ee-mah-hee-NARimaɣiˈnaɾ

verbA2general
Use this word for the general act of picturing something in your mind, the most common translation for 'to imagine'.
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.

figurar

fee-goo-RARfi.ɣuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use this word when you are assuming or supposing something to be true, often based on probability, similar to 'I suppose' or 'I reckon'.
A person sitting on a grassy hill looking at a cloud shaped like a dragon.

Examples

Me figuro que tendrás mucha hambre.

I imagine/suppose you must be very hungry.

¡No te lo puedes ni figurar!

You can't even imagine it!

Se figuró que la fiesta era hoy.

He imagined (assumed) the party was today.

Using 'Self' Words

To mean 'to imagine,' you must add words like 'me,' 'te,' or 'se' before the verb. Without them, the meaning changes to 'to appear.'

Joining Thoughts

When 'figurarse' is used to say 'I imagine that...', use the word 'que' before the next part of your sentence.

Missing the 'Self' Word

Mistake: “Saying 'Figuro que vas a venir' to mean 'I imagine you are coming.'”

Correction: Say 'Me figuro que vas a venir.' Without 'me,' it sounds like you are on a list.

concebir

kon-seh-BEERkonseˈβiɾ

verbC1formal/literary
Use this word for a deeper mental visualization, conceptualization, or belief, often implying a more profound or abstract thought.
A person sitting on a grassy hill looking at a cloud shaped like a dragon.

Examples

No puedo concebir la vida sin música.

I cannot conceive/imagine life without music.

Es difícil concebir cómo alguien pudo hacer eso.

It is hard to comprehend how someone could do that.

Su mente no concebía el fracaso.

His mind couldn't even imagine failure.

Using 'Que'

When using this word to mean 'I can't imagine that...', it is often followed by the word 'que' and a special verb form (the subjunctive) if there is doubt or emotion.

soñar

verbB2informal
Use this word when contemplating a possibility, often with a hint of sarcasm or disbelief, implying something is highly unlikely or absurd.

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. Figurar

The most common confusion is between 'imaginar' and 'figurar'. Remember that 'imaginar' is for picturing something, while 'figurar' is for assuming or supposing something is likely true. Don't use 'figurar' when you simply mean to picture something in your mind.

Related Translations

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