Я думаю
Ya dumayu
In Russian, "I think" is translated as Я думаю (Ya dumayu).
Я думаю is a phrase used to introduce a personal opinion or a belief about something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun Я (I) and the first-person singular present tense of the verb думать (to think).
Which one should you use?
While Я думаю is a general way to say "I think", the alternative Я считаю is used when expressing a more firm, reasoned or formal opinion, often translated as "I consider" or "I am of the opinion".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using Я думаю to introduce a subordinate clause, it is often followed by the conjunction что (that). The past tense masculine form is Я думал, and the future tense form is Я буду думать.
How do you pronounce it?
Ya dumayu
Did you know?
- If a Russian speaker says Я думал (I thought) without finishing the sentence, it often implies they have just realized they were completely wrong.
- Russian speakers often omit the Я in Я думаю and simply say Думаю because the verb ending already tells the listener that the subject is 'I'.
- The pronoun Я is a direct relative of the Latin word 'ego' and the English 'I', as both descend from the same prehistoric ancestor word.
Examples in context
- Я думаю так же.I think the same.This sentence shows how to express that your thoughts are the same as someone else's using Я думаю.Tatoeba #10995376 by marafon, translation #11335859 by ddnktr
- Вот что я думаю.That's what I think.This sentence is useful for emphasizing your specific opinion using Я думаю.Tatoeba #3600409 by marafon, translation #3593991 by CK
- Я думаю, он врёт.I think he's lying.This sentence demonstrates using Я думаю to introduce a belief about someone's actions.Tatoeba #2274857 by marafon, translation #1879827 by Spamster
- Я считаю, что этот ресторан предлагает великолепную еду.I think this restaurant offers magnificent food.
- По моему мнению, этот фильм был очень занимательным.In my opinion, this film was very interesting.
- Я думаю, что эта идея может иметь положительные результаты.I think that this idea can have positive results.
- Я думаю, что это было неправильно.I think that it was wrong.
- Ну, я думаю, что они должны прийти на вечеринку.Well, I think that they should come to the party.
- Мне кажется, что эта книга интересная.It seems to me that this book is interesting.
- 2758 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Maria are discussing a new movie.
- Сергей SergeyЯ думаю, этот фильм скучный.Ya dumayu, etot fil'm skuchnyy.I think this movie is boring.
- Мария MariaЯ думаю по-другому.Ya dumayu po-drugomu.I think differently.
- Сергей SergeyТы серьезно, Мария?Ty ser'yezno, Mariya?Are you serious, Maria?
- Мария MariaДа, он был очень длинным.Da, on byl ochen' dlinnym.Yes, it was very long.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries я, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
