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.
Use 'suponer' for general guesses or assumptions based on what you already know or observe.
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Use 'creer' when 'to suppose' simply means 'to think' or 'to believe' something is likely.
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Use 'imaginar' when you are guessing or assuming something, often in a more personal or speculative way.
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Use 'figurar' to express an assumption or imagination about a situation, often implying a degree of certainty based on context.
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Use 'asumir' when you are inferring a fact or accepting something as true, often based on logical deduction or evidence.
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Use 'presumir' for formal assumptions or presumptions, especially in official or legal contexts.
Learn more →soo-poh-NEHRsu.poˈneɾ
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
kreh-EHRkɾeˈeɾ
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.
ee-mah-hee-NARimaɣiˈnaɾ
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.
fee-goo-RARfi.ɣuˈɾaɾ
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.
ah-soo-MEERa.suˈmiɾ
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.
preh-soo-meerpɾesuˈmiɾ
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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