Pensar vs Creer – Think vs Believe

Use pensar when you express an opinion, intention, or a relatively concrete mental process. Pensar often appears with an infinitive when indicating plan or intention, and when introducing a clause it sometimes signals that you question or consider something.

Use creer to express belief or assumption, especially when you want to convey more general or less certain mental attitude. Creer commonly introduces subordinate clauses with que and speakers use it to report what they consider true, even if they are not absolutely sure.

When you use pensar followed by an infinitive, you highlight a plan or intention. This construction is common in spoken Spanish for stating what someone is going to do, and it keeps the focus on the action rather than on a subordinate clause.

Use pensar que to introduce an opinion or a statement you endorse, though sometimes speakers use it when they want to stress that something is their view. The clause after que expresses what you mentally affirm, and the tone can range from confident to tentative depending on context.

Use creer que to report a belief or assumption. The clause after que states what you consider to be true, and creer downplays personal certainty. This form is common in news, conversations, and when passing on information that may not be fully verified.

Signal words can guide you in choosing between pensar and creer. Time expressions and context clues about intention versus belief help determine which verb fits best. Paying attention to whether the emphasis is on plan (use pensar) or on assumed truth (use creer) makes your meaning clearer.

In short, use pensar for opinions, intentions, and mental plans—especially with an infinitive for actions you intend to do—and use creer for more general beliefs and assumptions when introducing subordinate clauses with que. Practicing these distinctions with real examples will make choosing between pensar and creer feel natural.