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"Think about" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "pensar en", and "think of" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "pensar en". Learn more about the difference between "think about" and "think of" below.
think about(
thihngk
 
uh
-
baut
)
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
a. pensar en
I was thinking about the time we went to the Eiffel Tower.Pensaba en la vez que fuimos a la Torre Eiffel.
a. opinar de
What do you think about the new curtains?¿Qué opinas de las nuevas cortinas?
b. pensar de
I told him what I really thought about his painting, and he wasn't pleased.Le dije honestamente lo que pensaba de su cuadro, y no le gustó.
a. pensar
Let me think about it for a day, and then I'll let you know my decision.Déjeme pensarlo un día, y luego le hago saber mi decisión.
b. reflexionar sobre
I was thinking about your proposal, and I think it's a good idea.Estaba reflexionando sobre tu propuesta y me parece una buena idea.
c. tener en cuenta
This would save money now, but we have to think about the long term.Esto nos ahorraría dinero ahora, pero tenemos que tener en cuenta el largo plazo.
d. pensar en
I'm thinking about running a marathon.Estoy pensando en correr una maratón.
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think of(
thihngk
 
uhv
)
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
a. pensar en
Our hosts at the inn were so welcoming and thought of everything.Nuestros anfitriones en la posada fueron tan amables y pensaron en todo.
b. tener en cuenta
Gene wasn't thinking of the possible consequences of his comment.Gene no tuvo en cuenta las posibles consecuencias de su comentario.
a. imaginarse
We should patent your idea. Think of all the money we could make!Deberíamos patentar tu idea. ¡Imagínate todo el dinero que podríamos ganar!
b. ocurrirse
Can you think of a restaurant in this area that serves good seafood?¿Se te ocurre un restaurante en esta área que sirva buenos mariscos?
a. acordarse de
What's the name of Danny's girlfriend? - I can't think of her name.¿Cómo se llama la novia de Danny? - No me acuerdo de su nombre.
b. recordar
That song made me think of the place where we first met.Esa canción me hizo recordar el lugar donde nos vimos por primera vez.
a. tener opinión de
My grandfather didn't think highly of people who didn't work hard.Mi abuelo tenía mala opinión de las personas que no trabajaban duro.
b. pensar de
Why do you think so badly of Julie?¿Por qué piensas tan mal de Julie?
c.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Marta, what do you think of your new boss?Marta, ¿qué te parece tu nueva jefa?
What do you guys think of this color?¿Qué les parece este color?
a. pensar
We're thinking of going to the beach today.Estamos pensando ir a la playa hoy.
b. pensar en
The Johnsons are thinking of moving to the country.Los Johnson están pensando en mudarse al campo.
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