Inklingo

How to Say "you believe" in Spanish

English → Spanish

crees

/kreh-ess//ˈkɾees/

verbA1
Use 'crees' when asking about or stating a general belief, faith, or assumption about a future event or a fact.
A person looking thoughtful, pointing to their temple with a glowing lightbulb next to their head, representing a belief or an idea.

Examples

¿Crees que va a llover mañana?

Do you believe it's going to rain tomorrow?

¿Crees en fantasmas?

Do you believe in ghosts?

Si tú crees que es una buena idea, lo haré.

If you believe it's a good idea, I'll do it.

The 'Tú' Form

'Crees' is the form of 'creer' (to believe/think) you use when talking to one person you know well (a 'tú'). The '-es' ending is a super common signal for the 'tú' form of verbs that end in '-er'.

Asking for Opinions

To ask 'Do you think that...?', the pattern is almost always '¿Crees que...?'. It's a perfect phrase for starting conversations.

Believing 'in' vs. Believing 'that'

Mistake: “¿Crees en la película es buena?”

Correction: Use 'crees EN' for things you have faith in ('¿Crees en la magia?'). Use 'crees QUE' to state an opinion ('¿Crees que la película es buena?').

piensas

/PYEN-sas//ˈpjensas/

verbA1
Use 'piensas' to ask for or express a personal opinion or thought about something specific, often about a person or object.
A friendly, cartoonish child character sits alone on a bench, holding their chin with one hand, looking up with a thoughtful expression, symbolizing the act of thinking.

Examples

¿Qué piensas de mi vestido nuevo?

What do you think of my new dress?

No sé qué piensas, pero yo creo que es una buena idea.

I don't know what you think, but I believe it's a good idea.

Si piensas que voy a ayudarte, estás muy equivocado.

If you think I'm going to help you, you are very mistaken.

Who is 'piensas' for?

This is the form of 'pensar' (to think) you use when talking to one person you know well, like a friend or family member (the 'tú' form).

The 'Boot' Verb Transformation

In the present, 'pensar' is a 'stem-changing' verb. The 'e' in 'pensar' changes to 'ie' for most forms (pienso, piensas, piensa, piensan). Notice how 'nosotros' (pensamos) and 'vosotros' (pensáis) stay outside this change, forming a boot shape on a chart!

'Thinking about' someone

Mistake: “Te pienso mucho.”

Correction: Pienso mucho en ti. --- To say you are thinking 'about' or 'of' someone or something, you must use 'pensar en'.

opinas

oh-PEE-nas/oˈpinas/

verbA1informal
Use 'opinas' specifically to ask for someone's opinion in an informal way, similar to asking 'what's your take on this?'.
A storybook illustration of a friendly, simplified figure sitting quietly with a contemplative expression. A large, softly glowing light sphere hovers directly above their head, visually representing an active thought process.

Examples

¿Qué opinas de esta película? ¿Te gustó?

What do you think of this movie? Did you like it?

Tú opinas que deberíamos ir en coche, pero yo prefiero el tren.

You think we should go by car, but I prefer the train.

Si opinas diferente, dímelo.

If you believe differently, tell me.

Identifying 'opinas'

This form is used when you are talking directly to one friend or family member (using 'tú') about what they currently think.

The Base Verb

The base verb is 'opinar.' It is a regular verb, meaning it follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, making it easy to conjugate in other tenses.

Using 'opinas' formally

Mistake: “¿Qué opinas, Señor González?”

Correction: Use '¿Qué opina, Señor González?' ('opina' is the form for 'usted') when talking to someone formally or respectfully.

pienses

pee-EN-ses/'pjen.ses/

verbB1
Use 'pienses' in the subjunctive mood when expressing doubt, uncertainty, or questioning the sincerity of someone's belief or thought.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing two young people. One person is sitting and looking thoughtfully at a single, simple object like a smooth river stone. The second person is standing close by, looking intently at the seated person, suggesting curiosity or influence over their thought process.

Examples

No creo que pienses eso de verdad.

I don't think you really mean that.

Quiero que pienses en una solución diferente.

I want you to think of a different solution.

Quizás pienses que es aburrido, pero es importante.

Maybe you think it's boring, but it's important.

The Subjunctive Trigger

You use 'pienses' (the special verb form) when the thinking is uncertain, doubted, or wished for. You need a trigger phrase like 'No creo que' (I don't believe that) or 'Dudo que' (I doubt that).

Stem Change Reminder

Remember that 'pensar' changes its vowel sound from Pensar to Pienses in most forms, including this one. The 'tú' form always ends in -es for AR verbs in this special mood.

Using the Normal Form

Mistake: “No creo que piensas eso.”

Correction: No creo que pienses eso. (The special verb form is required when expressing doubt about someone's thought.)

Creer vs. Pensar for Opinions

Learners often confuse 'crees' and 'piensas' when asking for opinions. While 'crees' is for general beliefs, use 'piensas' when asking for a personal thought or opinion about something specific.

Related Translations

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