verb

pensar

think

Es usar la mente para formar ideas, resolver problemas o tomar decisiones.

Definition & meaning

The verb pensar is one of the most common and fundamental words in the Spanish language. Its primary meanings include:

To think or reflect: To use the mind to form ideas, process information, or reach conclusions. For example, considering a problem or pondering a decision.
To believe or have an opinion: To hold a specific viewpoint or belief about a certain topic. In this context, it is often used similarly to the English "I think that...".
To intend or plan: When followed by an infinitive verb, it expresses an intention or a plan to do something in the future. For example, "pienso ir" means "I plan to go" or "I am thinking of going."
To consider: To take someone or something into account when making a decision.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: Pensar is a first-conjugation verb (ending in -ar). It is an irregular verb known as a "stem-changing verb." Specifically, the "e" in the stem changes to "ie" when stressed. This occurs in the present indicative, present subjunctive, and imperative moods, except for the "nosotros" and "vosotros" forms.

Examples of the present indicative:

Yo pienso
Tú piensas
Él/Ella piensa
Nosotros pensamos (no change)
Ellos piensan

Word origin: The word comes from the Latin verb "pensare," which originally meant "to weigh." This is a metaphorical evolution where the act of "weighing" something carefully transitioned into the mental act of "weighing" options or ideas, eventually meaning "to think." It shares the same root as the English word "pensive" or "pendulum."