What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the object pronoun te (you) and the first-person singular present indicative of the verb creer (to believe).
Which one should you use?
While te creo is the standard way to express belief in a statement, you should distinguish it from the phrase Creo en usted, which means "I believe in you".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, when addressing a group of people informally, use os creo. In Latin America, or when using the formal ustedes in Spain, use les creo to address a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on the person and level of formality you are addressing. If you are speaking to a single person formally using usted, you must change te creo to le creo. For plural address, use os creo for an informal group in Spain and les creo for a formal group or when addressing a group in Latin America.
How do you pronounce it?
/te kɾeo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, te creo can be used sarcastically with a rising intonation to signal that the speaker actually finds a claim unbelievable.
- While te creo affirms a statement, Spanish speakers use the verb creer to ask for an opinion with the phrase ¿qué crees?, meaning 'what do you think?'
- A Spanish speaker might say no te creo in response to a joke, even when they know the speaker is not actually lying.
Examples in context
- Te creo.I believe you.This sentence is a simple way to state your belief.Tatoeba #432129 by Leono, translation #17421 by CK
- Claro que te creo.Of course I believe you.This sentence is useful for adding emphasis to your belief.Tatoeba #10352414 by DJ_Saidez, translation #3818256 by CK
- Te creo, pero desafortunadamente Tom, no.I believe you, but unfortunately Tom doesn't.This sentence shows how to contrast your belief with someone else's lack of belief.Tatoeba #4158516 by mervert1, translation #2931938 by CK
- Le creo, señor López. Estoy seguro de que su versión de los hechos es correcta.I believe you, Mr. López. I am confident that your version of the events is correct.
- No te preocupes, amiga. ¡Te creo!Don't worry, friend. I believe you!
- Chicos, no tengo ninguna duda. ¡Les creo!Guys, I have no doubts. I believe you!
- Quiero que sepas que confío en ti, hermano.I want you to know that I trust you, brother.
- ¡Claro que te creo a pies juntillas! Nunca me has dado motivos para dudar de tu palabra.Of course, I believe you wholeheartedly! You have never given me a reason to doubt your word.
Example conversation
Javier explains why he was late to the meeting.
- María¿De verdad hubo mucho tráfico hoy?Was there really a lot of traffic today?
- JavierSí, María, hubo un accidente en la calle.Yes, María, there was an accident on the street.
- MaríaEstá bien, te creo.Alright, I believe you.
- JavierGracias por entender, Javier lo siente.Thanks for understanding, Javier is sorry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
