Why Pensar Is a Chunk Verb
Pensar looks simple, but English think splits into several Spanish frames: opinion, intention, focus, and hesitation each use a different pattern. Learn them as chunks and you stop translating word by word.
Pattern 1: Pienso que + indicative — Giving an opinion
The standard way to say I think that…. In an affirmative sentence it takes the indicative. ¿Qué piensas? is the natural way to ask for someone's view.
- Pienso que es una buena idea. — I think it's a good idea.
- Pienso que tienes razón. — I think you're right.
- ¿Tú qué piensas? — What do you think?
Chunk to learn:
Pienso que + [indicative]
Pattern 2: No pienso que + subjunctive — Expressing doubt
When you deny or doubt an opinion, Spanish switches to the subjunctive. This is one of the clearest everyday triggers; see Subjunctive Chunks.
- No pienso que sea fácil. — I don't think it's easy.
- No pienso que venga hoy. — I don't think he'll come today.
- No pienso que tenga razón. — I don't think she's right.
Chunk to learn:
No pienso que + [subjunctive]
Pattern 3: Pensar + infinitive — Stating plans
With an infinitive, pensar means to intend to or to plan to. It is a quiet, natural way to talk about the future.
- Pienso viajar en verano. — I'm planning to travel in the summer.
- ¿Piensas quedarte aquí? — Do you plan to stay here?
- No pienso decírselo. — I don't intend to tell him.
Chunk to learn:
Pensar + [infinitive]
Pattern 4: Pensar en — Thinking about someone or something
For what occupies your mind, use pensar en, not pensar de. Use pensar de only when asking for an opinion about something.
- ¿En qué piensas? — What are you thinking about?
- Pienso en ti. — I'm thinking of you.
- Siempre pienso en el trabajo. — I'm always thinking about work.
Chunk to learn:
Pensar en + [person / thing]
Pattern 5: Pensándolo bien — "On second thought"
A fixed gerund chunk for changing your mind after reflection.
- Pensándolo bien, mejor no voy. — On second thought, I'd better not go.
- Pensándolo bien, tienes razón. — Thinking it over, you're right.
- Pensándolo bien, prefiero esperar. — On reflection, I'd rather wait.
Chunk to learn:
Pensándolo bien, + [new decision]
Pattern 6: Lo voy a pensar — "I'll think about it"
The polite way to buy time without saying yes or no. Useful for invitations, offers, and prices.
- Lo voy a pensar. — I'll think about it.
- Déjame pensarlo. — Let me think about it.
- Piénsalo y me dices. — Think it over and let me know.
Chunk to learn:
Lo voy a pensar / Déjame pensarlo / Piénsalo
One Verb, Six Moods
Opinion, doubt, plans, focus, reconsideration, and delay all share one verb. For the ability side of the same coin, see [Poder] Chunks.
Start with ¿tú qué piensas? and lo voy a pensar. 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.