The simple present tense of creer is used to express beliefs, opinions, or thoughts that are currently held. For example, Creo que el cambio climático es un problema grave. (I believe that climate change is a serious problem.)

Creer is a regular -er verb, meaning its conjugations follow the typical pattern for this verb type in the present tense.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Creer (to believe) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Creer generally means to believe or to think something is true, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To believe (in something or someone): For example, Yo creo en Dios (I believe in God). Ella cree en la ciencia (She believes in science).

To think or consider: For example, Creo que tienes razón (I think you’re right). No creo que sea una buena idea (I don’t think it’s a good idea).

To believe someone (trust their word): For example, Te creo, no mientes (I believe you, you’re not lying). No le creo nada (I don’t believe anything he says).

To create or bring into existence (colloquial): For example, ¿Quién creyó este lío? (Who created this mess?). No creo problemas, solo los resuelvo (I don’t create problems, I just solve them).

To make someone believe (deceive): For example, Me creyó todo el cuento (He believed my whole story/lie). No te creas sus mentiras (Don’t believe his lies).

Examples

Examples of Creer in the Present Tense

Yo creo que el nuevo restaurante es excelente. (I think the new restaurant is excellent.)

¿Crees que va a llover hoy? (Do you think it will rain today?)

Ella cree en la igualdad de derechos para todos. (She believes in equal rights for all.)

Creemos que el cambio climático es un problema urgente. (We believe that climate change is an urgent problem.)

Ellos creen que la educación es la clave del éxito. (They believe that education is the key to success.)

¿Qué crees? ¿Debería aceptar el nuevo trabajo? (What do you think? Should I accept the new job?)

Mis amigos creen que soy demasiado trabajador. (My friends think I’m too much of a workaholic.)

Yo creo que la honestidad es la mejor política. (I believe that honesty is the best policy.)

¿Crees que podremos terminar el proyecto a tiempo? (Do you think we can finish the project on time?)

Ella cree que la meditación le ayuda a relajarse. (She believes that meditation helps her relax.)

Creemos que el arte es una forma de expresión importante. (We believe that art is an important form of expression.)

Ellos creen que la tecnología está cambiando el mundo. (They believe that technology is changing the world.)

¿Crees que ese chisme es cierto? (Do you think that gossip is true?)

Mis padres creen que debo estudiar más. (My parents think I should study more.)

Yo creo que la vida es demasiado corta para preocuparse. (I think life is too short to worry.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Creer (to believe) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.