Translation of Spanish word "pensar" to English
pensar
/penˈsaɾ/
Meaning
VerbTo ponder, to go over in one's mind.
How to use
In formal or informal settings, 'pensar' is used to convey a range of thoughts, from casual musings to in-depth analysis. For example, 'Me gusta pensar en la playa' (I like to think about the beach) or 'He estado pensando en cambiar de trabajo' (I've been thinking about changing jobs). Be mindful of the verb conjugation, as 'pensar' is a regular -ar verb, but it can be used in the present perfect tense to emphasize the completion of a thought process, e.g., 'He pensado en eso desde hace horas' (I've been thinking about that for hours).
🇬🇧 English
to think
Example
Necesito tiempo para pensar en tu oferta.
I need time to think about your offer.
Distraídamente, el detective pensó cuál debería ser su próximo paso.
Absently, the detective thought about what his next step should be.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- pensar en grande— to think big
- pensar en voz baja— to think to oneself
- pensar con la cabeza— to think with one's head
- pensar con la emoción— to think with one's emotions
- pensar con la razón— to think with reason
This concept in other languages
📖 Related grammar
🦊 Conjugation of the verb "pensar"Full conjugation →
Present Tense (Presente)
Simple Past (Pretérito Indefinido)
Perfect (Pretérito Perfecto)
he pensado
Imperative (Imperativo)
Frequency rank: #72 in Spanish
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common Spanish words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Spanish word "pensar" mean?▼
The Spanish word "pensar" means "to think" in English.
How do you pronounce the Spanish word "pensar"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "pensar" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "pensar"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Necesito tiempo para pensar en tu oferta." (which translates as "I need time to think about your offer.").
More Extended Verbs words
Related reading
What Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →TipsHow to Build a Daily Language Learning Habit That Sticks (Science-Backed)
Learn the psychology behind habit formation and apply it to language learning. Discover the 2-minute rule, habit stacking, and streak mechanics that keep you consistent.
Read →