lo pensaré
/lo pensaɾe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I will think about it" is said as lo pensaré.
This phrase is used to tell someone that you need more time to consider a decision before answering. You may also express this intention using slightly different structures, such as Voy a reflexionar al respecto to mean "I am going to reflect on the matter", Necesito un poco de tiempo para pensarlo to mean "I need a little time to think about it", Déjame pensarlo un rato to mean "Let me think about it for a while" or Me tomaré un tiempo para pensarlo to mean "I will take some time to think about it".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lo pensaré is composed of the direct object pronoun lo (it) and the first-person singular future tense of the verb pensar (to think), which literally translates to "I will think it".
Which one should you use?
lo voy a pensar is a very common alternative to the simple future lo pensaré in spoken Spanish to mean "I am going to think about it".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the preposition "about" is often omitted when using the verb pensar in this context, as the direct object lo (it) carries the weight of the subject being considered.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo pensaɾe/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying lo pensaré or 'I will think about it' can function as a polite, face-saving way to say 'no' without being blunt.
- The pronoun lo in lo pensaré traces its lineage back to the Latin 'illud', which was a neuter pronoun used to refer to things rather than people.
- In casual speech, the phrase lo voy a pensar is typically used instead of lo pensaré because the simple future tense can sound overly formal or even dramatic.
Examples in context
- Gracias por la oferta, lo pensaré detenidamente y le daré una respuesta en breve.Thank you for the offer, I will think about it carefully and give you an answer shortly.
- Déjame pensarlo un rato y luego te digo si puedo acompañarte.Let me think about it for a while, and then I'll let you know if I can join you.
- No tengo la respuesta ahora, lo pensaré.I don't have the answer now, I will think about it.
- Gracias por la oferta, lo pensaré con calma.Thanks for the offer, I will think about it calmly.
- Es una idea interesante, lo pensaré esta noche.It is an interesting idea, I will think about it tonight.
Example conversation
Mateo asks Elena if she wants to go on a trip next month.
- ElenaMateo, ¿quieres ir de viaje conmigo el mes que viene?Mateo, do you want to go on a trip with me next month?
- MateoEs una propuesta muy buena, pero lo pensaré.It is a very good proposal, but I will think about it.
- ElenaEstá bien, dime algo cuando lo decidas.That's fine, tell me something when you decide.
- MateoTe avisaré pronto, Elena.I will let you know soon, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
