predecir
/pɾedeˈθiɾ/
To predict in Spanish is predecir.
The verb is used to foretell or prophesy.
Meaning: to foretell or prophesy (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word predecir is composed of the prefix pre- (before) and the verb decir (to say).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb predecir is irregular in the preterite tense. For example, the first-person singular form is predije (I predicted) and the third-person singular form is predijo (he/she predicted). Additionally, the verb uses a stem change from 'e' to 'i' in its subjunctive forms, such as prediga.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾedeˈθiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly conjugate predecir like a regular -ir verb in the past tense, such as using predecí instead of the correct irregular form predije.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'predict' is common in science, Spanish often uses predecir in contexts of fate or destiny, while using prever for calculating future risks.
- While English uses 'predict' for both scientific forecasts and magic, a Spanish speaker might use vaticinar if the prediction feels more like an omen or a prophecy.
- In Spanish, a 'prediction' that is a prophecy or an omen is often called a presagio, a word that refers to a sign of things to come.
Examples in context
- No puedo predecir el futuro.I can't predict the future.Tatoeba #1928065 by marcelostockle, translation #1629747 by Spamster
- Él puede predecir el futuro.He can predict the future.Tatoeba #3117101 by marcelostockle, translation #2834811 by sundown
- Yo nunca puedo predecir nada.I can never predict anything.Tatoeba #1231106 by marcelostockle, translation #877935 by CK
- Los expertos predicen un crecimiento económico para el próximo año.The experts predict economic growth for next year.
- El pronóstico del tiempo predice lluvia intensa durante el fin de semana.The weather forecast predicts heavy rain over the weekend.
- ¿Adivinas quién ganará el partido de fútbol mañana?Can you predict/guess who will win the soccer match tomorrow?
- Tengo un presentimiento, ha habido un terremoto predicho por algunos videntes.I have a feeling, there has been an earthquake predicted by some seers.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about a weather report.
- Sofía¿Puedes predecir si lloverá mañana?Can you predict if it will rain tomorrow?
- MateoEs difícil predecir el clima exacto.It is difficult to predict the exact weather.
- SofíaEl meteorólogo va a predecir el tiempo.The meteorologist is going to predict the weather.
- MateoEspero que su predicción sea correcta.I hope his prediction is correct.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry predecir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
