Why Creer Is Worth Learning in Chunks
Creer sits next to pensar in everyday speech, but it has its own habits: short answers, strong reactions, and expressions of trust. Learn the frames and you will sound much more natural.
Pattern 1: Creo que sí / Creo que no — "I think so / I don't think so"
The quickest way to answer a yes-or-no question with some hedging. Very common in conversation.
- —¿Va a llover? —Creo que sí. — "Is it going to rain?" "I think so."
- —¿Está abierto? —Creo que no. — "Is it open?" "I don't think so."
- Creo que sí, pero no estoy seguro. — I think so, but I'm not sure.
Chunk to learn:
Creo que sí / Creo que no
Pattern 2: No creo que + subjunctive — "I don't think that…"
Doubt triggers the subjunctive. This is one of the cleanest triggers in everyday Spanish; see Subjunctive Chunks.
- No creo que venga. — I don't think he'll come.
- No creo que sea verdad. — I don't think it's true.
- No creo que tengamos tiempo. — I don't think we'll have time.
Chunk to learn:
No creo que + [subjunctive]
Pattern 3: Creer en — "To believe in"
For faith or trust in a person, idea, or thing, Spanish adds en.
- Creo en ti. — I believe in you.
- No creo en la suerte. — I don't believe in luck.
- ¿Crees en los fantasmas? — Do you believe in ghosts?
Chunk to learn:
Creer en + [person / idea]
Pattern 4: ¡Ya lo creo! — "I should say so!"
An emphatic yes. It is more common in Spain than in Latin America and sounds warm and a little old-fashioned.
- —¿Te gustó? —¡Ya lo creo! — "Did you like it?" "I should say so!"
- ¡Ya lo creo que sí! — Of course it does!
- —¿Hace calor? —Ya lo creo. — "Is it hot?" "You bet."
Chunk to learn:
¡Ya lo creo!
Pattern 5: No me lo puedo creer — "I can't believe it"
The reflexive-style me lo shows personal reaction to news that surprises you. It works for good and bad surprises.
- ¡No me lo puedo creer! — I can't believe it!
- No me lo creo. — I don't buy it.
- Se cree muy listo. — He thinks he's very clever.
Chunk to learn:
No me lo puedo creer / No me lo creo
Pattern 6: Te creo / Créeme — Trusting someone
To say you trust what someone says, or to ask them to trust you.
- Créeme, es verdad. — Believe me, it's true.
- Te creo, no te preocupes. — I believe you, don't worry.
- No te creo nada. — I don't believe a word you say.
Chunk to learn:
Te creo / Créeme
Belief, Doubt, and Trust
Short answers, subjunctive doubt, faith, emphasis, disbelief, and trust all run through one verb. Compare with [Sentir] Chunks for how Spanish talks about feelings and impressions.
Start with creo que sí and no me lo puedo creer. You will use both the next time you speak Spanish.
This post is part of the Spanish Chunk Series — a growing collection of chunk patterns for natural Spanish.