creo que
/kɾeo ke/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I believe that" is creo que.
creo que is used to introduce a personal opinion or a thought that the speaker thinks is true.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present indicative of creer (to believe) and the conjunction que (that).
Which one should you use?
While creo que is used for positive statements (I believe that…), the negative form no creo que triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a belief or certainty with creo que, the following verb is typically in the indicative mood rather than the subjunctive.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾeo ke/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using creo que can be a polite way to soften a criticism or a correction to avoid sounding too aggressive.
- The word 'que' in this phrase is a linguistic traveler that evolved from the Latin 'quid', which originally meant 'what' rather than 'that'.
- The verb 'creer' shares a root with the English word 'creed', as both stem from the concept of what one holds to be true.
Examples in context
- Creo que es inocente.I believe that he is innocent.This sentence is useful for showing how to use creo que to express a belief about someone's innocence.Tatoeba #1344768 by Shishir, translation #303989 by CK
- Creo que todo irá bien.I believe that everything will be fine.This sentence shows how to use creo que to express an opinion about a future outcome.Tatoeba #1240321 by Shishir, translation #1240234 by Tsetseg
- Creo que tendrás éxito.I believe that you will succeed.This sentence demonstrates using creo que to express a belief regarding someone's future success.Tatoeba #2869011 by cueyayotl, translation #70132 by CK
- Creo que debemos tomar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático.I believe that we should take urgent measures to combat climate change.
- Opino que el gobierno debe invertir más en educación.I believe that the government should invest more in education.
- Opino que deberías viajar más.I think that you should travel more.
- Me parece que tienes razón.I believe that you are right.
- Me parece que este es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad.I think this is the best restaurant in town.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing their plans for a hike.
- AlejandroCreo que el camino es muy largo.I believe that the path is very long.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, Alejandro, es corto.Don't worry, Alejandro, it is short.
- Alejandro¿Estás segura de que podemos llegar?Are you sure that we can arrive?
- SofíaSí, yo creo que sí.Yes, I believe so.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
