The Present Tense of Pensar is used to express thoughts, opinions, or beliefs that you currently have. For example, Pienso que la clase de español es interesante. (I think the Spanish class is interesting.)

Pensar is a stem-changing verb, meaning the vowel in the stem changes in certain conjugations. The e changes to ie in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Pensar (to think) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Pensar generally means “to think”, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To think: This is the most common meaning, referring to the mental process of having thoughts or ideas. For example, Yo pienso que deberíamos ir al cine esta noche. (I think we should go to the movies tonight.)

To intend or plan: Pensar can also mean to have the intention or plan to do something. For example, Pensamos viajar a la playa el próximo verano. (We plan to travel to the beach next summer.)

To consider or contemplate: It can mean to consider or contemplate an idea or possibility. For example, Estoy pensando en cambiar de trabajo. (I’m considering changing jobs.)

To believe or suppose: Pensar can express a belief or supposition about something. For example, Pienso que va a llover hoy. (I believe it’s going to rain today.)

To remember: In some contexts, it can mean to remember or recall something. For example, No puedo pensar en su nombre ahora mismo. (I can’t remember their name right now.)

Colloquial usage: In informal or colloquial speech, pensar can be used in expressions like ¡Ni lo pienses! (Don’t even think about it!) or ¿En qué estás pensando? (What are you thinking?)

Examples

Examples of Pensar in the Present Tense

Cuando veo las noticias, pienso en los problemas del mundo. (When I watch the news, I think about the world’s problems.)

Tú piensas demasiado en el pasado en lugar de enfocarte en el presente. (You think too much about the past instead of focusing on the present.)

Ella piensa que debería tomar un curso de cocina para mejorar sus habilidades culinarias. (She thinks she should take a cooking class to improve her culinary skills.)

Pensamos que es importante aprender un nuevo idioma para viajar. (We think it’s important to learn a new language for traveling.)

Mis amigos piensan que deberíamos ir de vacaciones juntos este verano. (My friends think we should go on vacation together this summer.)

Cuando estoy estresado, pienso en tomar un descanso y relajarme. (When I’m stressed, I think about taking a break and relaxing.)

¿Piensas que es una buena idea pedir un aumento de sueldo? (Do you think it’s a good idea to ask for a raise?)

Ella piensa que la educación es la clave para el éxito. (She thinks education is the key to success.)

Pensamos que es importante reciclar para cuidar el medio ambiente. (We think it’s important to recycle to care for the environment.)

Ellos piensan que deberían ahorrar más dinero para su jubilación. (They think they should save more money for their retirement.)

Cuando estoy aburrido, pienso en hacer algo divertido con mis amigos. (When I’m bored, I think about doing something fun with my friends.)

¿Piensas que es una buena idea cambiar de trabajo? (Do you think it’s a good idea to change jobs?)

Ella piensa que debería hacer más ejercicio para mantenerse en forma. (She thinks she should exercise more to stay in shape.)

Pensamos que es importante pasar tiempo en familia. (We think it’s important to spend time with family.)

Ellos piensan que deberían ahorrar más dinero para comprar una casa. (They think they should save more money to buy a house.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Pensar (to think) 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.