In 15 Seconds
- Use it to express personal opinions with confidence.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual coffee chats.
- More certain than 'I think' but less rigid than 'I know'.
Meaning
This is how you share your opinion or personal conviction. It is the go-to way to say 'I believe that' or 'I think that' when you feel something is true.
Key Examples
3 of 6Sharing a plan with a friend
Eu acredito que vai chover hoje à tarde.
I believe it is going to rain this afternoon.
In a business meeting
Eu acredito que esta é a melhor solução para o projeto.
I believe this is the best solution for the project.
Texting a group chat about a party
Eu acredito que a festa vai ser incrível!
I believe the party is going to be amazing!
Cultural Background
Brazilians are known for their 'jeitinho' and optimism. 'Eu acredito' is often used in social movements and sports as a cry of hope (e.g., 'Eu acredito!' during a football match). In Portugal, 'Eu creio que' is frequently used in place of 'Eu acredito que' in formal settings, reflecting a slightly more traditional linguistic heritage. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is often used in formal speeches and literature to express a strong vision for national identity and progress. Mozambican writers like Mia Couto often use verbs of belief to explore the boundary between reality and myth, giving 'acreditar' a poetic weight.
Sound more confident
In a professional setting, replace 'Eu acho que' with 'Eu acredito que' to sound more authoritative and prepared.
The Subjunctive Trap
Remember: 'Eu acredito que' + Indicative, but 'Eu NÃO acredito que' + Subjunctive.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to express personal opinions with confidence.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual coffee chats.
- More certain than 'I think' but less rigid than 'I know'.
What It Means
Eu acredito que is your primary tool for expressing belief. It bridges the gap between a simple thought and a deep conviction. You use it when you are fairly sure about something. It sounds more certain than a casual guess. It is the heart of sharing your perspective in Portuguese.
How To Use It
Simply start your sentence with Eu acredito que. Follow it with the thing you believe. In Portuguese, this usually triggers the indicative mood for facts. For example, Eu acredito que ele vem. It is like building a bridge from your mind to the world. You can use it for big ideas or small observations. It is very flexible and easy to plug into any conversation.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly in daily life. Use it in a meeting to share a strategy. Use it at dinner to discuss a movie plot. It is perfect for texting friends about weekend plans. If you feel a sense of truth about a topic, this is your phrase. It shows you have an opinion worth sharing. It makes you sound thoughtful and engaged.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if you are 100% certain of a cold, hard fact. You don't say Eu acredito que dois mais dois são quatro. That sounds like you are debating math! Also, don't use it if you are totally unsure. If you are just guessing, Eu acho que is a better, lighter fit. Using acredito for a wild guess might make you sound a bit too intense. Don't use it to sound robotic; keep it natural.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value personal connection and opinion. Sharing what you 'believe' is a way of opening up. In Brazil, people often use acredito to be polite. It softens a statement compared to just stating it as fact. It shows respect for the other person's potential differing view. It is a phrase rooted in the culture of conversation and debate.
Common Variations
You can drop the Eu to sound more natural. Just say Acredito que... to sound like a local. In Portugal, this is very common. In Brazil, keeping the Eu adds a bit of personal emphasis. You might also hear Eu creio que, which is slightly more formal or religious. Stick with acredito for the best all-around results.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and highly versatile. Be careful not to overuse it for very trivial things (like 'I believe I want water'), where 'querer' or 'achar' is more natural.
Sound more confident
In a professional setting, replace 'Eu acho que' with 'Eu acredito que' to sound more authoritative and prepared.
The Subjunctive Trap
Remember: 'Eu acredito que' + Indicative, but 'Eu NÃO acredito que' + Subjunctive.
Dropping the 'Eu'
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Acredito que...' to sound more natural and less repetitive.
Use with 'também'
To agree with someone's belief, say 'Eu também acredito nisso' (I also believe in that).
Examples
6Eu acredito que vai chover hoje à tarde.
I believe it is going to rain this afternoon.
A common way to state a prediction based on observation.
Eu acredito que esta é a melhor solução para o projeto.
I believe this is the best solution for the project.
Professional and confident without being aggressive.
Eu acredito que a festa vai ser incrível!
I believe the party is going to be amazing!
Shows excitement and positive conviction.
Eu acredito que pizza com abacaxi é um crime.
I believe that pineapple on pizza is a crime.
Using a strong word for a funny, subjective opinion.
Eu acredito que tudo vai dar certo no final.
I believe everything will work out in the end.
Offers comfort and sincere hope.
Eu acredito que o final foi muito confuso.
I believe the ending was very confusing.
A polite way to share a critique.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
Eu acredito que ela _______ (ser) a melhor candidata.
In an affirmative sentence with 'acredito que', we use the indicative 'é'.
Fill in the blank with the correct negative form of the verb 'estar'.
Não acredito que ele _______ aqui.
The negative 'Não acredito que' triggers the subjunctive 'esteja'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Where would you most likely say: 'Eu acredito que o projeto terá sucesso'?
This is a professional conviction suitable for a work environment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você acha que vai chover? B: Eu _______ que sim, o céu está muito escuro.
The first person 'Eu' requires the conjugation 'acredito'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Acreditar vs. Achar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu acredito que ela _______ (ser) a melhor candidata.
In an affirmative sentence with 'acredito que', we use the indicative 'é'.
Não acredito que ele _______ aqui.
The negative 'Não acredito que' triggers the subjunctive 'esteja'.
Where would you most likely say: 'Eu acredito que o projeto terá sucesso'?
This is a professional conviction suitable for a work environment.
A: Você acha que vai chover? B: Eu _______ que sim, o céu está muito escuro.
The first person 'Eu' requires the conjugation 'acredito'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral to slightly formal. It's perfect for work, but also fine for serious talks with friends.
Yes, but usually you say 'Eu acredito em [Deus/Fé]' for the concept, and 'Eu acredito que [Deus existe]' for the statement.
'Crer' is more formal and often used in religious or literary contexts. 'Acreditar' is the standard modern word.
'Eu acho que' is the default for casual thoughts. 'Eu acredito que' is reserved for when you really mean it.
In affirmative sentences, yes. In negative sentences or sentences expressing doubt, it takes the subjunctive.
Yes! That means 'I believe in you' (I trust you).
You say 'Eu não acredito!' or 'Não acredito nisso!'.
Yes, though 'Eu creio que' is a very strong competitor in Portugal.
Yes, it's a great way to introduce your thesis or a personal interpretation.
Eu acreditava que (I used to believe) or Eu acreditei que (I believed at that moment).
No, 'Eu penso que' sounds a bit translated from English. Stick to 'acredito' or 'acho'.
Only if you are making a serious prediction. For a guess, use 'acho'.
Related Phrases
Eu acho que
similarI think that
Eu creio que
synonymI believe that (formal)
Na minha opinião
similarIn my opinion
Tenho certeza que
builds onI am sure that
Suponho que
specialized formI suppose that
