Inklingo

How to Say "to trust" in Spanish

English → Spanish

confiar

/kon-fyahr//koɱˈfjaɾ/

VerbA2General
Use 'confiar' when expressing a general sense of faith, reliance, or confidence in someone's reliability or in the outcome of a situation.
A storybook illustration showing a small child holding the hand of an adult while crossing a stream, symbolizing mutual faith and trust.

Examples

Confío en que llegarás a tiempo.

I trust that you will arrive on time.

Confío en ti. Sé que lo harás bien.

I trust you. I know you'll do it well.

Puedes confiar en mi palabra.

You can trust my word.

Es difícil confiar en los políticos.

It's difficult to trust politicians.

The Magic Word: 'en'

In Spanish, you don't just 'trust someone,' you 'trust IN someone.' Always remember to put en after confiar. For example: Confío en mi hermana. (I trust my sister.)

Forgetting 'en'

Mistake: “Quiero confiar tú.”

Correction: Quiero confiar en ti. (I want to trust you.) You almost always need 'en' to say who or what you trust.

creer

/kreh-EHR//kɾeˈeɾ/

VerbA2
Use 'creer' when expressing belief in someone's capabilities, character, or potential, often implying a stronger conviction or faith in their inherent qualities.
A small figure confidently leaping across a small gap toward the large, supportive, and open hand of a second, larger figure, symbolizing trust and faith.

Examples

Yo creo en ti.

I believe in you.

¿Crees en la astrología?

Do you believe in astrology?

Es importante creer en uno mismo.

It's important to believe in oneself.

The Magic Word: 'en'

To say you 'believe IN' something or someone, you must use the little word 'en' after 'creer'. 'Creo en ti' (I believe in you) is very different from 'Te creo' (I believe what you are saying).

Forgetting 'en'

Mistake: “'Yo creo la democracia.'”

Correction: 'Yo creo en la democracia.' When you're talking about faith in a concept, person, or system, you need 'en'. Without it, it sounds like you believe a story that democracy told you.

Confiar vs. Creer

Learners often confuse 'confiar' and 'creer' because both can express belief. Remember that 'confiar' is more about reliance and expectation, while 'creer' focuses on faith in someone's inherent qualities or potential.

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