French · Everyday Verbs
"to think" in French: penser
penser
To think in French is penser. Je pense, tu penses, il/elle pense. Penser que introduces an opinion. Penser à means to think about someone or something.
Opinion
Je pense que c'est une bonne idée.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce penser
Say it
pahn-SAY
/pɑ̃.se/
Penser is pahn-SAY. The en is nasal. Pense sounds like pahns.
"to think" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| penser | to think Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| penser que | to think that Opinions. | Opinions. |
| penser à | to think about People, tasks, ideas. | People, tasks, ideas. |
| je pense / tu penses | I think / you think Present. | Present. |
How to use penser in real life
- 1Opinion
Je pense que c'est une bonne idée.
I think that's a good idea.
Penser que.
- 2Reminder
Tu penses à acheter du pain ?
Are you thinking about buying bread?
Penser à.
- 3Doubt
Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne.
I don't think he's coming.
Negative often triggers subjunctive.
Mistakes English speakers make with penser
Incorrect: Je pense à que…
Correct: Je pense que…
Opinions use penser que, not penser à que.
Incorrect: Je pense de toi (for thinking about you).
Correct: Je pense à toi.
Think about someone is penser à.
Good to know
Penser que states a view; penser à keeps someone or a task in mind (je pense à toi). Mixing à and que is a classic learner slip.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a restaurant
ChatPal
Tu penses à quel resto ?
Which restaurant are you thinking of?
You
Je pense que le japonais est plus simple.
I think the Japanese place is easier.
ChatPal
Ok, j'appelle.
Okay, I'll call.
You
Parfait.
Perfect.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to think" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to think" in French
What is to think in French?
Penser.
When do I use penser que vs penser à?
Que for opinions; à for thinking about someone/something.
What is the je form?
Je pense.
How do you pronounce penser?
Pahn-SAY.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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