In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce a personal opinion or reflection.
- Slightly more formal and thoughtful than 'Eu acho que'.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
Meaning
This is the most common way to say 'I think that' when expressing an opinion or a belief. It's your go-to phrase for sharing your perspective on everything from dinner plans to life goals.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a project at work
Eu penso que precisamos de mais tempo.
I think that we need more time.
Giving an opinion on a book
Eu penso que este livro é muito longo.
I think that this book is very long.
Texting a friend about a party
Penso que vou chegar tarde hoje.
I think that I will arrive late today.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very expressive but avoid being too blunt. Using 'Eu penso que' or 'Eu acho que' helps to soften a statement and keep the conversation friendly. In Portugal, 'Eu penso que' is used more frequently in standard speech than in Brazil. It doesn't sound as 'formal' as it might to a Brazilian ear; it's just standard. In formal Angolan Portuguese, 'Eu penso que' is a sign of eloquence and is often used in media and public speaking to introduce important ideas. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, the choice of 'Eu penso que' can reflect a speaker's educational background and is common in academic and professional circles.
The 'Que' Rule
Never forget the 'que'. In English, you can say 'I think he's nice', but in Portuguese, you MUST say 'Eu penso QUE ele é simpático'.
Sounding Like a Native
If you are in Brazil, use 'Acho que' 90% of the time. Save 'Eu penso que' for when you want to sound extra smart or serious.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce a personal opinion or reflection.
- Slightly more formal and thoughtful than 'Eu acho que'.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
What It Means
Eu penso que is the standard way to express a personal opinion. It comes from the verb pensar, which means to think or to reflect. When you add que, you are opening the door to explain your thoughts. It is clear, direct, and very easy to use. It signals to your listener that you are about to share your point of view.
How To Use It
You use this phrase at the start of a sentence. Simply say Eu penso que and follow it with your idea. For example, if you like a movie, say Eu penso que o filme é bom. You can also drop the Eu and just say Penso que. This makes you sound a bit more like a native speaker. It works with almost any verb tense that follows.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when you want to sound thoughtful. Use it with friends when debating which pizza topping is superior. It is perfect for texting when someone asks for your advice. It fits beautifully in academic writing or professional emails too. Basically, if you have a brain and an opinion, this phrase is your best friend.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if you are 100% certain about a factual truth. If you say Eu penso que o céu é azul, people might think you're having a philosophical crisis. Also, don't use it if you are expressing a feeling or a gut instinct. In those cases, Brazilians often prefer Eu acho que. Penso sounds a bit more intellectual than acho.
Cultural Background
In Portuguese culture, sharing opinions is a social sport. Whether in Lisbon or Rio, people love to debate. Using Eu penso que suggests you have actually sat down and reflected on the topic. It carries a tiny bit more weight than the casual Eu acho. It shows you are engaged in the conversation and value the intellectual exchange.
Common Variations
The most common variation is Eu acho que. This is the 'younger, cooler' cousin of Eu penso que. You will hear Eu creio que in more formal or religious settings. If you want to sound very fancy, you might say A meu ver. But for 90% of your life, Eu penso que or Eu acho que will do the trick.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register. It is never rude, but in extremely casual slang-heavy environments, it might sound a tiny bit stiff compared to 'Eu acho que'.
The 'Que' Rule
Never forget the 'que'. In English, you can say 'I think he's nice', but in Portuguese, you MUST say 'Eu penso QUE ele é simpático'.
Sounding Like a Native
If you are in Brazil, use 'Acho que' 90% of the time. Save 'Eu penso que' for when you want to sound extra smart or serious.
Avoid 'Penso de'
English speakers often say 'I think of...'. In Portuguese, use 'Acho de' or 'Penso em', but never 'Penso de'.
Examples
6Eu penso que precisamos de mais tempo.
I think that we need more time.
Shows professional input during a meeting.
Eu penso que este livro é muito longo.
I think that this book is very long.
A simple way to critique something.
Penso que vou chegar tarde hoje.
I think that I will arrive late today.
Dropping the 'Eu' makes it sound more natural.
Eu penso que pizza com abacaxi é um crime!
I think that pineapple on pizza is a crime!
Expressing a strong (but funny) opinion.
Eu penso que devemos ser felizes agora.
I think that we should be happy now.
Used for deeper, more emotional reflections.
Eu penso que a sua teoria faz sentido.
I think that your theory makes sense.
Respectful way to agree with an academic point.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'pensar' and the conjunction 'que'.
Eu ______ ______ o Brasil é um país maravilhoso.
The first person singular of 'pensar' is 'penso', and it must be followed by 'que'.
Which sentence is more appropriate for a job interview?
How would you start your opinion in a professional meeting?
'Eu penso que' is more formal and considered than 'Acho que'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Maria: 'Você gosta de pizza de abacaxi?' João: 'Não, ______ ______ abacaxi não combina com pizza.'
João is expressing a personal opinion about a food combination.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are discussing a complex social issue in a classroom.
This is a formal opinion on a social topic, perfect for 'Eu penso que'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Penso que vs. Penso em
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ ______ o Brasil é um país maravilhoso.
The first person singular of 'pensar' is 'penso', and it must be followed by 'que'.
How would you start your opinion in a professional meeting?
'Eu penso que' is more formal and considered than 'Acho que'.
Maria: 'Você gosta de pizza de abacaxi?' João: 'Não, ______ ______ abacaxi não combina com pizza.'
João is expressing a personal opinion about a food combination.
Situation: You are discussing a complex social issue in a classroom.
This is a formal opinion on a social topic, perfect for 'Eu penso que'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Eu penso que' sounds more deliberate and intellectual, while 'Acho que' is the everyday casual version.
Absolutely. It's perfect for professional emails where you want to express an opinion clearly and politely.
Usually no. Use the indicative for affirmative opinions. Only use the subjunctive if you say 'Eu não penso que...'.
No, you can just say 'Penso que...'. Dropping the pronoun is very common in Portuguese.
'Creio que' is more about belief or faith, while 'penso que' is more about logical thought or opinion.
Yes, it is very common and perfectly natural in Portugal.
You say 'Eu penso que sim' or simply 'Acho que sim'.
You say 'Eu penso que não' or 'Acho que não'.
Yes, it is a staple of Portuguese literature and philosophical writing.
It's better to use 'Eu pretendo...' or 'Eu estou pensando em...' for plans. 'Eu penso que' is for opinions.
Related Phrases
Acho que
similarI think/guess
Creio que
similarI believe that
Na minha opinião
synonymIn my opinion
Penso em
contrastI am thinking about
Parece-me que
similarIt seems to me that
