pensé
/pense/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I thought" is translated into Spanish as pensé.
pensé is used to describe a belief or opinion that a person held in the past. When you want to say you are thinking about or reflecting on something, you use the phrase pensar en. Additionally, in informal situations where you are expressing that you imagined or supposed something, you can use Me imaginé que.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between pensé and pensaba. While pensé often implies a specific moment of thought or a completed realization, pensaba is used to describe continuous or habitual thoughts in the past, such as when saying "I was thinking" or "I used to think".
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperfect form pensaba is often used instead of pensé to describe an ongoing state of belief or a background thought in the past.
How do you pronounce it?
/pense/
Did you know?
- While pensé comes from pensar, this root is a direct cousin of the English word 'pensive', which describes a state of deep or dreamy thought.
- The verb pensar is used in the phrase pensar hacer algo to express an intention, meaning 'to plan' or 'to intend' rather than just thinking about it.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if someone says pensé que… followed by a mistake, it is often used as a polite way to soften a correction or an excuse to avoid blaming another person.
Examples in context
- Pensé que era Tom.I thought it was Tom.This sentence shows how to use pensé to identify someone.Tatoeba #6563319 by EdwinPujols, translation #2547939 by CK
- Pensé en voz alta.I thought out loud.This sentence demonstrates using pensé to describe the act of thinking out loud.Tatoeba #9178237 by eltacodemex, translation #9178761 by DJ_Saidez
- Pensé que eras otro.I thought you were someone else.This sentence uses pensé to express a mistaken identity.Tatoeba #2340065 by marcelostockle, translation #1961776 by CK
- Pensé que ya había terminado el informe.I thought I had already finished the report.
- Me pareció que el discurso fue muy inspirador.I thought the speech was very inspiring.
- Creí que llegaría a tiempo para la reunión.I thought I would arrive on time for the meeting.
- Pensaba que íbamos a salir esta noche.I thought we were going out tonight.
- Pensé que hoy había clase, pero me equivoqué.I thought we had class today, but I was wrong.
- Me imaginé que no te gustaría el regalo.I thought you wouldn't like the gift.
- Pensaba que ibas a venir con nosotros.I thought you were coming with us.
- 701 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking at a cafe about a meeting.
- JavierPensé que la reunión era más tarde.I thought the meeting was later.
- LucíaNo, Javier, la cita es ahora.No, Javier, the appointment is now.
- JavierMenos mal que me avisaste.It's a good thing you told me.
- LucíaDe nada, siempre te ayudo.You're welcome, I always help you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
