Estaba pensando en ti
/estaba pensando en ti/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'I was thinking about you' is translated into Spanish as Estaba pensando en ti.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they have been on your mind.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Estaba pensando en ti literally translates to 'I was thinking in you' because the verb pensar requires the preposition en to indicate the object of thought.
Which one should you use?
While Estaba pensando en ti is a standard way to express this, you may also see Estuve pensando en ti or Pensaba en ti used in informal contexts. In formal situations, you can use Pensé en usted or Estaba pensando en usted.
How do you pronounce it?
/estaba pensando en ti/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the preposition de to say 'thinking of/about you'. Instead of saying pensando de ti, you must use the required preposition en.
Did you know?
- If you use pensar de instead of pensar en, you are no longer saying you missed someone, but are instead expressing an opinion about their character.
- The word ti used in the phrase is actually a descendant of the Latin dative case 'tibi'. This means the word itself is historically a 'directional' form used to indicate the object of an action or thought.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, switching from Estaba pensando en ti to Estaba pensando en vos can instantly change the level of intimacy or regional dialect, such as moving from standard Spanish to 'voseo' used in Argentina.
Examples in context
- Estaba pensando en ti.I was thinking about you.This example shows the use of Estaba pensando en ti.Tatoeba #1640232 by marcelostockle, translation #1140129 by CK
- Pensé en usted mientras preparaba el informe.I was thinking about you while preparing the report.
- Estaba pensando en usted y su familia durante el viaje.I was thinking about you and your family during the trip.
- Estuve pensando en ti durante la fiesta.I was thinking about you during the party.
- Pensaba en ti mientras veía esa película.I was thinking about you while watching that movie.
- Hola, mamá. Estuve pensando en ti y quería darte un fuerte abrazo.Hi, mom. I was thinking about you, and I wanted to give you a big hug.
- ¡Hola, amigo! Pensaba en ti y espero verte pronto.Hey, buddy! I was thinking about you, and I hope to see you soon.
- Estaba pensando en ti cuando vi esta foto.I was thinking about you when I saw this photo.
- No podía dormir porque estaba pensando en ti.I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about you.
Example conversation
Alejandro calls Sofía to check on her.
- AlejandroHola Sofía, estaba pensando en ti.Hello Sofía, I was thinking about you.
- Sofía¡Qué lindo! ¿Estás bien, Alejandro?How sweet! Are you okay, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, solo quería saludarte.Yes, I just wanted to say hello.
- SofíaGracias por llamarme.Thanks for calling me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, ti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
