estaba pensando
/estaba pensando/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I was thinking" is translated into Spanish as estaba pensando.
estaba pensando is used to introduce a suggestion or a plan that the speaker has been considering. You can commonly use the phrase to introduce a tentative idea by following it with que (e.g., Estaba pensando que… to mean "I was thinking that…"). If you want to emphasize that you had been considering something for a specific period of time, you can use Había estado considerando.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperfect indicative of estar (to be) and the gerund of pensar (to think).
Which one should you use?
While estaba pensando emphasizes the continuous process of thinking at a specific moment, the form pensaba is often used to describe a general state of mind or a belief held over a period of time.
How do you pronounce it?
/estaba pensando/
Did you know?
- The word pensar can also mean 'to intend' in certain contexts, so Pensaba ir al cine can mean both 'I was thinking of going to the cinema' and 'I intended to go to the cinema'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using estaba pensando is a social strategy to soften a request, making it a 'suggestion' rather than a 'demand' to avoid appearing too aggressive.
- If you want to say you were thinking about a specific topic, you must use the preposition en, whereas in English you would use 'about'.
Examples in context
- Estaba pensando en ti.I was thinking about you.This sentence shows how to use estaba pensando to express thinking about someone.Tatoeba #1640232 by marcelostockle, translation #1140129 by CK
- Estaba pensando en lo mismo.I was thinking of the same thing.This sentence shows how to use estaba pensando to express thinking of the same thing.Tatoeba #1439334 by marcelostockle, translation #1275398 by CM
- Eso no es en lo que estaba pensando.That's not quite what I was thinking.This sentence shows how to use estaba pensando to clarify a thought.Tatoeba #1898694 by marcelostockle, translation #1897808 by CK
- Estaba pensando que sería apropiado considerar su propuesta.I was thinking it would be appropriate to consider your proposal.
- Había estado considerando su oferta antes de tomar una decisión.I had been thinking about your offer before making a decision.
- Estaba pensando en invitarte a mi fiesta de cumpleaños.I was thinking about inviting you to my birthday party.
- Estuve pensando en comprarme un nuevo coche.I was thinking about buying a new car
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking at home about their weekend plans.
- AlejandroElena, estaba pensando en ir a la playa.Elena, I was thinking of going to the beach.
- ElenaEs una idea excelente, Alejandro.It is an excellent idea, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Quieres venir conmigo?Do you want to come with me?
- ElenaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
