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How to Say "we believe" in Spanish

English → Spanish

creemos

/kreh-EH-mohs//kɾeˈe.mos/

VerbA1General
Use 'creemos' when stating a firm conviction, opinion, or faith about something you hold to be true.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two stylized people, standing side-by-side and holding hands, gazing together towards a small, radiant golden star floating above them, symbolizing shared belief.

Examples

Creemos que la nueva ley es justa.

We believe that the new law is fair.

No creemos en fantasmas, pero la historia era interesante.

We don't believe in ghosts, but the story was interesting.

¿Qué hora es? Creemos que son las tres.

What time is it? We think it's three o'clock.

Stating Opinions with 'Que'

To express what you believe, use 'creemos que...' followed by a normal, factual verb form (the indicative mood). Example: 'Creemos que ella es muy inteligente.'

No Change in Mood

Unlike some verbs, when you use 'creemos' (we believe) in the affirmative, the verb that follows 'que' does NOT need to change to the special subjunctive form. It signals certainty.

Mixing up 'Creer' and 'Pensar'

Mistake: “Using 'creemos' when you mean 'we are planning to' (which is usually 'pensamos').”

Correction: 'Creemos' is for beliefs or opinions. 'Pensamos ir mañana' (We plan to go tomorrow) is for intentions.

pensamos

pen-SAH-mos/penˈsamos/

VerbA1General
Use 'pensamos' when expressing an opinion or thought, functioning very much like 'we think' in English.
A simple storybook illustration showing two cartoon children sitting side-by-side on a wooden bench, both resting a hand on their chin in a thoughtful pose.

Examples

Pensamos que este libro es fascinante.

We think that this book is fascinating.

Pensamos ir al cine mañana por la noche.

We are planning to go to the cinema tomorrow night.

Ayer pensamos lo mismo sobre el partido.

Yesterday we thought the same thing about the game.

Stem Change Exception

Even though the verb 'pensar' usually changes its vowel from 'e' to 'ie' (like 'yo pienso'), the 'nosotros' (we) form is an exception and keeps the original 'e': 'pensamos'.

Thinking vs. Planning

To express an opinion, use 'pensar que' (Pensamos que es tarde). To express a plan or intention, use 'pensar + [the action]' (Pensamos viajar).

Confusing Present and Past

Mistake: “The word 'pensamos' means 'we think' (Present) AND 'we thought' (Preterite).”

Correction: You rely on context or time words (like 'ayer' or 'hoy') to know which tense is being used. Since the 'we' form is identical in both, the context is your best clue.

entendemos

en-ten-DE-mos/en.tenˈde.mos/

VerbB1General
Use 'entendemos' to express a shared conclusion or to convey that you grasp or comprehend a situation, implying agreement.
Two cartoon characters standing face-to-face, shaking hands firmly and nodding in mutual agreement over a shared invisible idea, symbolizing a shared opinion.

Examples

Entendemos que la mejor opción es esperar.

We understand (believe) the best option is to wait.

Tal como lo entendemos, el contrato finaliza mañana.

As we see it (As we understand/believe), the contract ends tomorrow.

Expressing Opinion

When used this way, 'entendemos que...' acts just like 'creemos que...' (we believe that...) and is usually followed by a regular verb form, unless it expresses doubt.

creamos

/kre-AH-mohs//kɾeˈamos/

VerbB1General
Use 'creamos' in hypothetical or emotional contexts, often when expressing doubt or a desire for someone else to believe something.
A person looking up at a bright, glowing star with a hopeful and trusting expression.

Examples

No quieren que creamos la verdad.

They don't want us to believe (that we believe) the truth.

Es importante que creamos en nosotros mismos.

It's important that we believe in ourselves.

The Belief/Doubt Switch

When you say 'we believe' normally, you say 'creemos.' But if you are saying 'I don't think we believe' or 'It's good that we believe,' the 'e' switches to an 'a' to show it's a feeling or a doubt.

Spelling confusion

Mistake: “Using 'creamos' for a simple statement like 'We believe in God.'”

Correction: Use 'Creemos en Dios' for facts. Only use 'creamos' after phrases like 'No es cierto que...' or 'Quiero que...'

Choosing between 'creemos' and 'pensamos'

The most common confusion is between 'creemos' (we believe) and 'pensamos' (we think). Use 'creemos' for stronger convictions or faith, and 'pensamos' for everyday opinions or thoughts.

Related Translations

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