quiero creerte
/kjeɾo kɾeeɾte/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I want to believe you" is translated as quiero creerte.
A statement used to express a desire to accept someone's words as true.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), creer (to believe) and the enclitic pronoun te (you).
Which one should you use?
quiero creerte expresses a desire to believe the person, whereas te creo means "I believe you" (stating a current fact).
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun te can be placed either attached to the end of the infinitive creer or before the conjugated verb quiero.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo kɾeeɾte/
Did you know?
- If you say quiero creerte with a rising intonation at the end, it often functions as a skeptical challenge. It suggests that while you want the words to be true, you strongly suspect the speaker is lying.
- The verb creer is the root of the Spanish word for 'credit', crédito. This reflects the historical idea that giving someone credit is essentially believing in their ability to pay back a loan.
- In Spanish, the verb creer can mean both 'to believe that something is true' and 'to trust' a person. Depending on the context, quiero creerte can imply a desire to restore trust in a relationship rather than just accepting a fact.
Examples in context
- Señor, quiero creerle en lo que dice.Sir, I want to believe you in what you say.
- Doctora, deseo creer en usted y en su diagnóstico.Doctor, I want to believe you and your diagnosis.
- Amigo, quiero creerte cuando dices que todo estará bien.Friend, I want to believe you when you say everything will be okay.
- Compañero de trabajo, ojalá que pueda creerte sobre el proyecto.Coworker, I hope I can believe you regarding the project.
- Sé que mientes, pero quiero creerte.I know you are lying, but I want to believe you.
- No tengo pruebas, pero quiero creerte.I don't have proof, but I want to believe you.
- Me cuesta confiar, pero quiero creerte.It's hard for me to trust, but I want to believe you.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a misunderstanding.
- AlejandroLucía, dime que no mentiste.Lucía, tell me that you didn't lie.
- LucíaTe juro que todo es verdad.I swear everything is true.
- AlejandroEstá bien, quiero creerte.Alright, I want to believe you.
- LucíaGracias por confiar en mí, Alejandro.Thank you for trusting me, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
