Inklingo

How to Say "to think" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pensar

pen-sarpenˈsaɾ

VerbA1General
Use 'pensar' for the general mental process of thinking, like needing time to process information or forming a thought.
A person sitting quietly, chin resting on their hand, with a glowing light bulb floating above their head, symbolizing an idea or deep thought.

Examples

Necesito tiempo para pensar.

I need time to think.

Pienso, luego existo.

I think, therefore I am.

¿En qué piensas?

What are you thinking about?

The 'e' sometimes changes to 'ie'

Notice how in 'yo pienso', the 'e' from 'pensar' becomes 'ie'. This happens in some forms (like the present tense), but not all. For 'nosotros' (we), it stays as 'e': 'pensamos'.

Thinking 'about' someone or something

To say you are thinking about something or someone, you almost always use the little word 'en' after 'pensar'. For example: 'Pienso en mis vacaciones' (I'm thinking about my vacation).

creer

kreh-EHRkɾeˈeɾ

VerbA1General
Use 'creer' when you want to express a belief or an opinion that you hold as true, similar to 'to believe'.
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.

opinar

oh-pee-NAHRopiˈnaɾ

VerbA2General
Use 'opinar' specifically when asking for or stating a personal viewpoint or judgment on a topic.
A friendly person with a thought bubble above their head containing a colorful lightbulb.

Examples

¿Qué opinas sobre la nueva película?

What do you think about the new movie?

Yo opino que deberíamos salir más temprano.

I think (my opinion is) that we should leave earlier.

Muchos expertos opinan que la economía mejorará pronto.

Many experts believe that the economy will improve soon.

Using 'que' after the verb

Just like in English we say 'I think THAT...', in Spanish you almost always follow 'opinar' with 'que' when you are about to state your thought.

Opinar vs. Pensar

While both mean 'to think,' use 'opinar' specifically when you want to emphasize that it is your personal viewpoint or judgment on a topic.

Using 'de' instead of 'sobre'

Mistake: “¿Qué opinas de el libro?”

Correction: ¿Qué opinas sobre el libro? (While 'de' is sometimes used, 'sobre' is the clearer way to say 'about' a topic).

parecer

pah-reh-SEHRpaɾeˈseɾ

VerbA2General
Use 'parecer' to express an opinion that is based on how something seems or appears to you, often translated as 'it seems to me'.
A thoughtful person sitting quietly, with a simple, glowing lightbulb hovering above their head, symbolizing an idea or thought.

Examples

Me parece buena idea.

I think it's a good idea (It seems like a good idea to me).

¿Qué te parece este vestido?

What do you think of this dress?

Nos parece justo.

It seems fair to us (We think it's fair).

The 'Gustar' Pattern

When using 'parecer' to give an opinion, it works just like 'gustar'. You use 'me', 'te', 'le', 'nos', or 'les' before the verb to show WHO has the opinion.

Agreement

The verb usually stays singular ('parece') because it is agreeing with the situation or the thing being discussed, not with you.

Saying 'Yo parezco'

Mistake: “Yo parezco que es bueno.”

Correction: Me parece que es bueno.

Confusing 'pensar' with opinion verbs

Learners often use 'pensar' when they mean to express an opinion or belief. Remember that 'pensar' is for the act of thinking itself, while 'creer', 'opinar', and 'parecer' are for stating what you think about something.

Related Translations

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