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How to Say "would think" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “would think” is “pensaría” — use this when you are expressing a hypothetical opinion or a personal belief about what might happen or what is best in a given situation..

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pensaría

verbB1
Use this when you are expressing a hypothetical opinion or a personal belief about what might happen or what is best in a given situation.

Examples

Yo pensaría que es mejor esperar hasta mañana.

I would think it's better to wait until tomorrow.

creería

verbB1
Employ this to share a softened, polite, or tentative opinion, often implying a degree of uncertainty or deference.

Examples

Yo creería que es mejor salir temprano.

I would think that it's better to leave early.

pensara

/pen-SAH-rah//penˈsaɾa/

verbB1
This form is typically used in hypothetical or counterfactual clauses, often following expressions of doubt, wishes, or conditions that are contrary to fact.
A person sitting on a grassy hill, looking up at a floating cloud shaped like a giant castle.

Examples

Si yo pensara eso, no estaría aquí.

If I thought that, I wouldn't be here.

No creía que ella pensara tan rápido.

I didn't think that she would think so fast.

Ojalá él pensara más en su futuro.

I wish he would think more about his future.

The 'What If' Form

This word 'pensara' is used when talking about things that aren't currently true or are hypothetical. It often follows the word 'si' (if).

Dual Identity

This exact word is used for both 'I' (yo) and 'He/She/You-formal' (él/ella/usted). The context of your sentence tells people who you are talking about.

Choosing the wrong 'thought'

Mistake: “Si yo pensé eso...”

Correction: Si yo pensara eso...

encontraría

verbB2
Use this when you are expressing a considered opinion or judgment about something, often implying a more formal or analytical assessment.

Examples

Yo encontraría su propuesta muy interesante, si fuera más detallada.

I would consider your proposal very interesting, if it were more detailed.

Pensaría vs. Creería for Opinions

Learners often confuse 'pensaría' and 'creería' when giving opinions. 'Pensaría' is more direct for a hypothetical thought ('I would think X is the best way'), while 'creería' is softer and more tentative ('I would think X is probably the best way').

Related Translations

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