The Present Tense of Pensar is used to express what you think or believe in the present moment. 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 (Castilian Spanish):

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

To think or ponder: For example, Yo pienso en mi futuro. (I think about my future.)

To intend or plan: For example, Pensamos ir al cine esta noche. (We plan to go to the movies tonight.)

To believe or consider: For example, Pienso que tienes razón. (I think you’re right.)

To reflect or contemplate: For example, Ella piensa mucho antes de tomar una decisión. (She thinks a lot before making a decision.)

To assume or suppose: For example, Pensamos que ya habían llegado. (We assumed they had already arrived.)

Colloquial usage (rude): For example, ¿Qué piensas, idiota? (What are you thinking, idiot?) This usage implies the person is acting foolishly or not thinking clearly.

Examples

Examples of Pensar in the Present Tense

Cuando voy a la oficina, pienso en los proyectos que tengo que completar. (When I go to the office, I think about the projects I have to complete.)

¿Piensas que es una buena idea ir al cine esta noche? (Do you think it’s a good idea to go to the movies tonight?)

Ella piensa que el cambio climático es un problema grave. (She thinks that climate change is a serious problem.)

Nosotros pensamos que la educación es la clave para un futuro mejor. (We think that education is the key to a better future.)

¿Pensáis que el equipo ganará el partido esta noche? (Do you think the team will win the game tonight?)

Ellos piensan que la nueva película es excelente. (They think the new movie is excellent.)

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

¿Qué piensas de la nueva moda? (What do you think about the new fashion trend?)

Mi amigo piensa que debería cambiar de trabajo. (My friend thinks I should change jobs.)

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

¿Pensáis que el nuevo restaurante es bueno? (Do you think the new restaurant is good?)

Ellos piensan que el libro es aburrido. (They think the book is boring.)

Cuando estoy de vacaciones, pienso en visitar nuevos lugares. (When I’m on vacation, I think about visiting new places.)

¿Piensas que es una buena idea aprender un nuevo idioma? (Do you think it’s a good idea to learn a new language?)

Ella piensa que la música es una forma de expresión artística. (She thinks music is a form of artistic expression.)

Conjugations with English Translations

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

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American 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.