How to Say "we thought" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “we thought” is “pensamos” — use 'pensamos' (preterite) for a specific, completed past action of thinking or an opinion held at a particular moment in the past.
Use 'pensamos' (preterite) for a specific, completed past action of thinking or an opinion held at a particular moment in the past.
Learn more →Use 'creíamos' (imperfect) when expressing a past belief or opinion that was ongoing or held as a general truth at that time.
Learn more →Use 'pensábamos' (imperfect) to describe a past state of mind, an ongoing thought process, or a plan that was being considered in the past.
Learn more →pen-SAH-mospenˈsamos
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
Examples
Creíamos que la tienda estaba abierta.
We thought the store was open.
pensábamos
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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