creo
/kɾeo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "I believe" is translated as creo.
creo is used to express an opinion or to state that something is likely true. There is a distinction in how you follow the word: use creo que when expressing an opinion or a thought, but use creo en when you are expressing faith or trust in a person or a concept.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use Creo que or Yo creo to express belief. In Latin American countries, Me parece que is widely used to convey belief.
How does it change in a sentence?
creo is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb creer.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾeo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When translating "I believe [clause]", do not omit the word que. While English speakers often omit it, in Spanish you must use que to link the verb to the following statement, such as in creo que es verdad.
Did you know?
- The verb creer is the root of the Spanish word for a creator, creador, as both stems relate to the act of bringing something into existence or forming a belief.
- The word creer is a cognate of the English word 'credit', as both come from the Latin 'credere', meaning to trust or believe.
- The phrase creerse algo can mean 'to be fooled by something', such as no te lo creas, which warns someone not to fall for a lie.
Examples in context
- Creo que es él.I believe it to be him.This sentence is useful for identifying someone.Tatoeba #1501490 by marcelostockle, translation #885597 by sacredceltic
- Creo en su poder.I believe in your power.This sentence is useful for expressing belief in someone's power.Tatoeba #8786588 by Shishir, translation #2665553 by _undertoad
- Creo en la amistad.I believe in friendship.This sentence is useful for expressing belief in an abstract concept like friendship.Tatoeba #557623 by Shishir, translation #262035 by Eldad
- Creo que el cambio es necesario para el crecimiento personal.I believe that change is necessary for personal growth.
- Tengo la creencia de que el respeto es fundamental en cualquier relación.I have the belief that respect is fundamental in any relationship.
- Creo que mañana hará buen tiempo.I believe that tomorrow the weather will be good.
- Pienso que la música es el lenguaje universal.I believe that music is the universal language.
- Me parece que los cambios son necesarios para mejorar.I believe that changes are necessary for improvement.
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing their travel plans.
- ElenaCreo que va a llover hoy.I believe it is going to rain today.
- JavierNo lo creo, el cielo está despejado.I don't believe so, the sky is clear.
- ElenaPero creo que el clima cambiará.But I believe the weather will change.
- JavierEstá bien, espero que no pase.Alright, I hope that doesn't happen.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
