Spanish · Everyday Verbs
"to think" in Spanish: pensar
pensar
Note: to think that / to find: creer
To think in Spanish is pensar. Yo pienso and ¿Qué piensas? are everyday. Creer often means think that, but this page’s headword is pensar.
Opinion ask
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How to pronounce pensar
Say it
pen-SAHR / PYEN-soh
/pen.ˈsaɾ/
pen-SAHR. Yo pienso is PYEN-soh. The ie is one syllable: pyen.
"to think" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| pensar | to think Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| yo pienso | I think Present; e→ie. | Present; e→ie. |
| tú piensas | you think Informal present. | Informal present. |
| pensar en | to think about Pensar en ti. | Pensar en ti. |
| sin pensar | without thinking Impulse. | Impulse. |
How to use pensar in real life
- 1Opinion ask
¿Qué piensas de este plan?
What do you think of this plan?
Piensas with tú.
- 2Decision time
Pienso mejor después de dormir.
I think better after sleeping.
Pienso first person.
- 3Daydream
Sigo pensando en el viaje todo el día.
I keep thinking about the trip all day.
Pensando is the gerund.
Mistakes English speakers make with pensar
Incorrect: Yo penso que sí.
Correct: Yo pienso que sí.
Stem change: pienso, not penso.
Incorrect: Tú pensar qué?
Correct: ¿Tú piensas qué?
Conjugate: tú piensas.
Good to know
Good to knowLatin Americans often say Creo que… for opinions. Pensar sounds more reflective: Déjame pensar. Pensar en alguien can be romantic. Sin pensar admits an impulsive move.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a gift
ChatPal
¿Qué piensas de unas flores?
What do you think of some flowers?
You
Pienso que el chocolate es mejor.
I think chocolate is better.
ChatPal
Tiene sentido. Voy a pensar un poco más.
Makes sense. I'll think a bit more.
You
Sin prisa. Avísame luego.
No rush. Tell me later.
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 Spanish
Pensar vs creer?
Pensar = think/reflect; creer que often means think that.
How do I say I think?
Yo pienso.
Think about…?
Pensar en…
Why is it pienso not penso?
Present e→ie: pienso, piensas, piensa, piensan.
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