In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'I think' in Portuguese.
- Usually followed by 'que' to introduce an opinion.
- Perfect for casual chats, restaurants, and work meetings.
Meaning
This is the most common way to say 'I think' or 'I believe' when expressing an opinion or a hunch. It is your go-to phrase for sharing your thoughts without sounding too aggressive or overly certain.
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding on dinner
Eu acho que prefiro pizza hoje.
I think I prefer pizza today.
Giving an opinion on a movie
Eu acho que o filme foi muito longo.
I think the movie was too long.
In a business meeting
Eu acho que esta estratégia pode funcionar.
I think this strategy might work.
Cultural Background
Brazilians use 'Eu acho' to avoid saying a direct 'No'. If someone asks 'Can you help me move this weekend?' and you say 'Eu acho que vai ser difícil', you are likely saying 'No' politely. In Portugal, 'Eu acho' is common, but you will also hear 'Parece-me' (It seems to me) or 'Creio' (I believe) more frequently in semi-formal settings compared to Brazil. In Angolan Portuguese, 'achar' is used similarly to Portugal, but often with a very melodic intonation that emphasizes the 'que'. The phrase 'Só eu que acho...?' (Is it just me who thinks...?) is a massive meme and conversation starter across the Portuguese-speaking internet.
The 'Que' Rule
Always remember to add 'que' if a verb follows 'Eu acho'. 'Eu acho que vou' (I think I'll go).
Don't over-think it
Don't use 'Eu penso' for opinions. It sounds like a translation from English and is a dead giveaway that you are a learner.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'I think' in Portuguese.
- Usually followed by 'que' to introduce an opinion.
- Perfect for casual chats, restaurants, and work meetings.
What It Means
Eu acho is the bread and butter of Portuguese conversation. While it literally translates to "I find," it functions exactly like "I think" in English. You use it to share your perspective. It softens your statements. It shows you are offering an opinion rather than a hard fact.
How To Use It
You usually follow it with the word que (that). For example, Eu acho que vai chover means "I think that it’s going to rain." You can also use it alone when someone asks for your opinion. If a friend asks if a shirt looks good, a simple Eu acho! works perfectly. It’s short, punchy, and very versatile.
When To Use It
Use it everywhere! Use it at a restaurant when deciding what to order. Use it when texting a friend about movie plans. It is perfect for meetings when you want to be polite. It helps you sound like a local. It shows you are engaged in the conversation. It’s the ultimate social lubricant in Brazil and Portugal.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it when you need to be 100% certain. If your boss asks if the report is finished, don't say Eu acho. It sounds like you aren't sure of your own work! Also, in very academic writing, you might prefer Eu acredito or Em minha opinião. Using Eu acho too much can make you sound indecisive. Don't use it for things that are objective facts.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers love to express feelings and opinions. Using Eu acho reflects a culture that values personal perspective. In Brazil, people often drop the Eu and just say Acho que.... This makes the conversation feel even more fluid and relaxed. It’s a very democratic phrase. Everyone from a street vendor to a CEO uses it daily.
Common Variations
You will often hear Eu acho que sim (I think so) or Eu acho que não (I don't think so). If you want to sound more sophisticated, you can try Eu creio (I believe). In slang, some might say Eu boto fé, which is like "I believe it" or "I trust that." But for 99% of situations, Eu acho is your best friend.
Usage Notes
Highly versatile and neutral. It fits almost any situation from a casual bar to a standard office environment. Just be careful not to sound too indecisive by overusing it.
The 'Que' Rule
Always remember to add 'que' if a verb follows 'Eu acho'. 'Eu acho que vou' (I think I'll go).
Don't over-think it
Don't use 'Eu penso' for opinions. It sounds like a translation from English and is a dead giveaway that you are a learner.
The Brazilian Hedge
Use 'Eu acho' to soften any criticism. Instead of 'This is bad', say 'Eu acho que não está muito bom'.
Achar vs. Encontrar
In formal writing, use 'encontrar' for finding objects, but keep 'achar' for your thoughts.
Examples
6Eu acho que prefiro pizza hoje.
I think I prefer pizza today.
A classic way to state a preference among friends.
Eu acho que o filme foi muito longo.
I think the movie was too long.
Used to provide a critique without being too harsh.
Eu acho que esta estratégia pode funcionar.
I think this strategy might work.
Softens a professional suggestion to encourage discussion.
Acho que vou chegar atrasado.
I think I'm going to arrive late.
Dropping the 'Eu' is very common in informal texts.
Eu acho que você não tem graça nenhuma!
I think you aren't funny at all!
A playful way to tease a friend.
Eu acho que nós precisamos conversar.
I think we need to talk.
Used to introduce a serious or emotional topic gently.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'achar'.
Eu ___ que o Brasil é um país maravilhoso.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb must be in the first person singular present: 'acho'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to express an opinion in Portuguese?
Choose the best option:
'Achar' is the standard verb for expressing opinions about quality or experience.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
Amigo: 'Você acha que vai chover hoje?' Você: '___'
All options are grammatically correct and natural ways to respond to a hunch about the weather.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'Eu não acho as minhas chaves!'
In this context, 'achar' is used in its literal sense of 'to find'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ___ que o Brasil é um país maravilhoso.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb must be in the first person singular present: 'acho'.
Choose the best option:
'Achar' is the standard verb for expressing opinions about quality or experience.
Amigo: 'Você acha que vai chover hoje?' Você: '___'
All options are grammatically correct and natural ways to respond to a hunch about the weather.
Sentence: 'Eu não acho as minhas chaves!'
In this context, 'achar' is used in its literal sense of 'to find'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you are using it with an adjective like 'Eu acho isso legal' (I think this is cool).
It's okay for personal opinions, but 'Eu acredito' or 'Na minha opinião' sounds more professional.
'Eu creio' is more formal and implies a deeper belief or faith.
Simply say 'Eu acho que sim'.
Because the act of 'finding' the opinion happened the moment they saw it. It's very common!
No, it also means 'to find' a physical object.
No, for 'to find out', use 'descobrir'.
No, Portuguese is a pro-drop language. You can just say 'Acho que...'.
Say 'O que você acha?'
Usually only in the negative ('Não acho que...') or in questions expressing doubt.
Related Phrases
Acreditar
similarTo believe
Pensar
similarTo think
Parecer
similarTo seem
Julgar
specialized formTo judge/deem
Dar um palpite
informalTo give a hunch/guess
