Inklingo

How to Say "you think" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you think” is “crees” — use 'crees' when you want to ask for or state an opinion or belief about something, similar to 'Do you believe?' or 'Do you reckon?'..

crees🔊A1

Use 'crees' when you want to ask for or state an opinion or belief about something, similar to 'Do you believe?' or 'Do you reckon?'.

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piensas🔊A1

Use 'piensas' to ask about someone's thoughts or opinions in a more general or formal context, often translating to 'What is your thinking?' or 'Do you consider?'. It can also be the formal 'usted' form of 'pensar'.

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opinas🔊A1

Use 'opinas' to directly ask for someone's opinion or viewpoint on a specific matter, emphasizing their personal take, like 'What's your take?' or 'What do you opine?'.

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pienses🔊B1

Use 'pienses' in the subjunctive mood when expressing doubt, uncertainty, wishes, or when influencing someone else's thoughts, often appearing after negative expressions like 'no creo que'.

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English → Spanish

crees

/kreh-ess//ˈkɾees/

verbA1
Use 'crees' when you want to ask for or state an opinion or belief about something, similar to 'Do you believe?' or 'Do you reckon?'.
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 think 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?').

verbA1
Use 'piensas' to ask about someone's thoughts or opinions in a more general or formal context, often translating to 'What is your thinking?' or 'Do you consider?'. It can also be the formal 'usted' form of 'pensar'.

Examples

Mi abuela siempre piensa en positivo.

My grandmother always thinks positively.

opinas

oh-PEE-nas/oˈpinas/

verbA1informal
Use 'opinas' to directly ask for someone's opinion or viewpoint on a specific matter, emphasizing their personal take, like 'What's your take?' or 'What do you opine?'.
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, wishes, or when influencing someone else's thoughts, often appearing after negative expressions like 'no creo que'.
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.)

Confusing Opinion vs. Thought

The most common mistake is confusing 'crees' and 'piensas'. Use 'crees' for general beliefs or opinions (like 'Do you believe?'), and 'piensas' for more direct consideration or the formal 'usted' form. 'Opinas' is best for directly asking for a viewpoint.

Related Translations

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