Pensar: think, consider and intend

The idea

In the present, stressed e changes to ie in pienso and piensa; nosotros pensamos keeps e.

Examples

• Pienso en mi familia cuando viajo.I think about my family when I travel.
• Ella piensa en la respuesta antes de hablar.She thinks about the answer before speaking.
• Pensamos visitar el museo mañana.We intend to visit the museum tomorrow.
• ¿Qué piensas de esta idea?What do you think of this idea?
• Ellos piensan que el plan es útil.They think that the plan is useful.
• ¿Piensas en cambiar de trabajo?Are you thinking about changing jobs?

Watch out

Pensar en can mean thinking about something; pensar plus an infinitive can express intention.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the present form for yo: Yo ___ en mi familia. (pienso / penso)

   Show answer or example answer

   pienso

   Pienso is the present form for yo, with e changed to ie.

2. Choose the present form for nosotros: Nosotros ___ visitar el museo mañana. (pensamos / piensamos)

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   pensamos

   Pensamos keeps e in the present form for nosotros.

3. Choose the preposition for having someone in mind: Tengo a mi familia en la mente: pienso ___ mi familia. (en / de)

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   en

   Pensar en names someone or something held in mind.

Use it today

Say whom you think about and what you intend to do tomorrow.