Inklingo

How to Say "to suppose" in Spanish

English → Spanish

suponer

/soo-poh-NEHR//su.poˈneɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'suponer' when making a guess or assumption based on existing knowledge or a reasonable inference.
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-EHR//kɾeˈeɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'creer' for a general 'I think' or when expressing a belief or assumption that is less about inference and more about opinion.
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-NAR/imaɣiˈnaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'imaginar' when you are guessing or assuming something by picturing it in your mind, often in a more casual 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.

asumir

ah-soo-MEER/a.suˈmiɾ/

verbC1formal
Use 'asumir' when you are inferring or accepting a fact or situation as true, often with a slightly more formal or definitive tone.
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.

Choosing Between 'Suponer' and 'Creer'

Learners often confuse 'suponer' and 'creer'. Use 'suponer' when your supposition is based on evidence or logical deduction. Use 'creer' for a more general opinion or belief, akin to 'I think'.

Related Translations

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