Inklingo

How to Say "we thought" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pensamos

pen-SAH-mos/penˈsamos/

verbA1general
Use 'pensamos' (preterite) for a specific, completed past action of thinking or an opinion held at a particular moment in the past.
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 thought 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.

creíamos

verbA2general
Use 'creíamos' (imperfect) when expressing a past belief or opinion that was ongoing or held as a general truth at that time.

Examples

Creíamos que la tienda estaba abierta.

We thought the store was open.

pensábamos

verbA2general
Use 'pensábamos' (imperfect) to describe a past state of mind, an ongoing thought process, or a plan that was being considered in the past.

Examples

Cuando éramos niños, pensábamos que volar era imposible.

When we were children, we used to think that flying was impossible.

Imperfect vs. Preterite for 'thought'

The most common mistake is confusing when to use the imperfect ('creíamos', 'pensábamos') versus the preterite ('pensamos'). Remember, the imperfect describes ongoing states or habitual thoughts, while the preterite refers to a completed act of thinking.

Related Translations

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