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Conjugation Chart

“Pensar” (to think) in the Imperfect Tense

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Understanding the Imperfect Tense of “Pensar”

The Imperfect Tense of pensar is used to describe thoughts, ideas, or mental states in the past that were ongoing or repeated actions, for example, Yo pensaba en mis vacaciones. (I was thinking about my vacation.)

Pensar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the Imperfect Tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

How to Use Pensar in the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense of pensar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, as well as descriptions and states of being.

Thinking or considering: Por ejemplo, pensaba en cambiar de trabajo. (For example, I was thinking about changing jobs.) This usage conveys the idea of contemplating or reflecting on something in the past.

Believing or having an opinion: Por ejemplo, pensaba que era una buena idea. (For example, I thought it was a good idea.) This meaning expresses holding a belief or opinion about something in the past.

Intending or planning: Por ejemplo, pensaba ir al cine esta noche. (For example, I was planning to go to the movies tonight.) This usage indicates having an intention or plan to do something in the past.

Assuming or supposing: Por ejemplo, pensaba que ya habías llegado. (For example, I thought you had already arrived.) This meaning conveys making an assumption or supposition about something in the past.

Colloquial usage: ¡Pensaba que nunca ibas a callarte! (I thought you were never going to shut up!) This idiomatic expression is used to express exasperation or frustration with someone’s excessive talking or behavior.

Real Life Examples of Pensar in the Imperfect Tense

Yo pensaba que el restaurante estaba abierto hasta tarde. (I thought the restaurant was open late.)

Ellos pensaban que la película era aburrida. (They thought the movie was boring.)

Tú pensabas que el libro era interesante, ¿verdad? (You thought the book was interesting, right?)

Nosotros pensábamos que el viaje sería más caro. (We thought the trip would be more expensive.)

Vosotros pensabais que el concierto era gratis, ¿no? (You all thought the concert was free, didn’t you?)

Ella pensaba que su jefe era injusto. (She thought her boss was unfair.)

Ustedes pensaban que el partido sería emocionante. (You all thought the game would be exciting.)

Yo pensaba que mi amigo llegaría tarde, como siempre. (I thought my friend would be late, as usual.)

Ellas pensaban que la fiesta sería aburrida. (They thought the party would be boring.)

Tú pensabas que el examen sería fácil, ¿no? (You thought the exam would be easy, didn’t you?)

Nosotros pensábamos que el clima sería mejor. (We thought the weather would be better.)

Vosotros pensabais que el profesor era demasiado estricto. (You all thought the teacher was too strict.)

Él pensaba que su novia lo engañaba. (He thought his girlfriend was cheating on him.)

Ustedes pensaban que el trabajo sería fácil. (You all thought the job would be easy.)

Yo pensaba que mi hermano era el más inteligente de la familia. (I thought my brother was the smartest in the family.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Pensar (to think) in the Imperfect Tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Imperfect tense is also known as the Past Imperfect, Descriptive Past, Past Progressive, or Imperfect Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Imperfecto, Copretérito, Imperfecto de Indicativo, or Pasado Descriptivo in Spanish.