me imagino
/me imaxino/from spelling rules
The phrase "I imagine" is translated into Spanish as me imagino.
Use me imagino to express that you believe something is likely true based on the information you have available.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally "I imagine myself" because it uses the reflexive pronoun me.
Which one should you use?
While the form imagino (without the reflexive me) is grammatically possible, me imagino is the much more common idiomatic way to express "I suppose" or "I imagine" in conversational Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using me imagino to introduce a clause, it is typically followed by the conjunction que. If you are expressing doubt or uncertainty about the reality of the thing being imagined, the verb in the following clause may be in the subjunctive mood.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using me imagino as a standalone response can function as a sympathetic 'I can imagine' to show empathy during a difficult conversation.
- While me imagino expresses a supposition, the non-reflexive imagino often suggests a more creative or intentional act of visualization, similar to the English 'imagine a world where'.
- The word me in the phrase shares its ancient roots with the Latin 'ego', meaning 'I'. This shows how the reflexive pronoun evolved from the very same linguistic source as the identity of the speaker.
Examples in context
- Me imagino que tarde o temprano Tom y Mary se van a casar.I imagine that Tom and Mary will eventually get married.This sentence shows how to use me imagino to express a belief about a future event.Tatoeba #1419462 by marcelostockle, translation #1096214 by CK
- Por lo que escribiste, su reacción no está justificada de ninguna manera y me imagino que puede hacerte la vida imposible.For what you have written, your reaction is not justified in any manner, and I imagine it can make your life impossible.This sentence shows how to use me imagino to express a supposition about how something might affect someone.Tatoeba #671879 by hayastan, translation #703274 by papabear
- Me imagino que soy una mariposa.I imagine I am a butterfly.This sentence uses me imagino to express a thought about one's own identity.Tatoeba #11187810 by carlosalberto, translation #11187502 by carlosalberto
- Yo imagino que el proyecto será un éxito.I imagine the project will be a success.
- Supongo que el equipo llegará a tiempo.I imagine/suppose the team will arrive on time.
- Me figuro que no habrá problemas con el informe.I imagine/figure there won't be any issues with the report.
- Me imagino que tendremos una gran fiesta de cumpleaños.I imagine we'll have a fantastic birthday party.
- Supongo que no podré ir al cine esta noche.I guess I won't be able to go to the movies tonight.
- Si gano la lotería, me imagino viajando por el mundo.If I win the lottery, I imagine myself traveling around the world.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about a colleague's new job.
- DanielJuan consiguió el puesto en Madrid.Juan got the position in Madrid.
- LucíaMe imagino que está muy feliz ahora.I imagine he is very happy now.
- DanielSí, era su sueño trabajar allí.Yes, it was his dream to work there.
- LucíaMe imagino que se muda pronto.I imagine he is moving soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
