Inklingo

How to Say "to suppose" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to suppose” is “suponer” — use 'suponer' for general guesses or assumptions based on what you already know or observe.

English → Spanish

suponer

soo-poh-NEHRsu.poˈneɾ

verbA2
Use 'suponer' for general guesses or assumptions based on what you already know or observe.
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

creer

kreh-EHRkɾeˈeɾ

verbA1
Use 'creer' when 'to suppose' simply means 'to think' or 'to believe' something is likely.
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.

imaginar

ee-mah-hee-NARimaɣiˈnaɾ

verbB2
Use 'imaginar' when you are guessing or assuming something, often in a more personal or speculative way.
A friendly cartoon character standing between two simple, closed doors, one red and one blue, with a thoughtful, slightly puzzled expression and a small shrug, indicating they are trying to suppose or guess which door to choose.

Examples

Me imagino que ya comiste, ¿verdad?

I suppose you already ate, right?

¿Te imaginas el precio de esa casa?

Can you fathom the price of that house?

Se imaginaron que la reunión sería más corta.

They assumed the meeting would be shorter.

The Reflexive Change

When you add the reflexive pronoun (like 'me' or 'te'), the focus shifts from creating a picture to expressing an internal thought or assumption about reality.

Common Phrase

Use 'Me imagino que...' as a very natural, polite way to introduce an assumption in conversation.

figurar

fee-goo-RARfi.ɣuˈɾaɾ

verbB1
Use 'figurar' to express an assumption or imagination about a situation, often implying a degree of certainty based on context.
A person sitting on a grassy hill looking at a cloud shaped like a dragon.

Examples

Me figuro que tendrás mucha hambre.

I imagine 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.

asumir

ah-soo-MEERa.suˈmiɾ

verbC1
Use 'asumir' when you are inferring a fact or accepting something as true, often based on logical deduction or evidence.
A cartoon character confidently stepping across a small gap between two platforms without looking down, illustrating presumption or taking something for granted.

Examples

Asumo que ya habrás leído el informe completo.

I presume you will have read the complete report by now.

Podemos asumir que el clima afectará el tráfico.

We can assume that the weather will affect traffic.

Mental Assumption

When used to mean 'to presume,' this verb is about making a logical jump or mental conclusion, rather than taking physical action.

presumir

preh-soo-meerpɾesuˈmiɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'presumir' for formal assumptions or presumptions, especially in official or legal contexts.
A person looking at a closed cardboard box with a thought bubble above their head containing a toy ball.

Examples

Se presume que el sospechoso es inocente.

The suspect is presumed to be innocent.

Podemos presumir que los resultados serán positivos.

We can assume that the results will be positive.

Using 'Se presume que'

To say 'It is presumed that,' use the word 'se' before the verb. It's a very common formal way to express an assumption without blaming a specific person.

Choosing Between Guessing and Inferring

The most common mistake is using a word for inferring (like 'asumir') when you simply mean to guess (like 'suponer' or 'creer'). Pay attention to whether your 'supposition' is a casual thought or a conclusion drawn from facts.

Related Translations

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