Achar vs. Pensar in Portuguese: Share an Opinion Naturally
Both verbs can introduce an opinion, but achar is especially common in everyday Brazilian conversation.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Achar commonly means “to think,” “to find,” or “to feel” when you give an opinion or impression. Brazilians often use acho que… (I think that…) in everyday conversation. The phrase lets you share a view without presenting it as an unquestionable fact.
Use achar to introduce a personal impression
Achar can also describe an evaluation: achei o filme interessante (I found the movie interesting). The following adjective or clause helps you understand whether the speaker is giving an impression, an opinion, or a judgment.
Acho que vai chover mais tarde.
I think it will rain later.
Achei o restaurante muito agradável.
I found the restaurant very pleasant.
O que você acha dessa ideia?
What do you think of this idea?
Use pensar for thoughts, plans, and opinions
Pensar means to think, consider, or have something in mind. Use pensar em when the thought is directed toward a topic or plan: estou pensando em viajar (I’m thinking of traveling). Use pensar que to introduce a belief or opinion, especially when emphasizing the act of thinking.
The two verbs overlap when expressing an opinion. Achar que is a very natural everyday choice; pensar que can sound more deliberate or highlight reasoning, but the distinction is not absolute across all speakers and situations.
Estou pensando em fazer um curso à noite.
I’m thinking about taking an evening course.
Penso que a proposta precisa de mais detalhes.
I think the proposal needs more details.
No que você está pensando?
What are you thinking about?
Choose a phrase that matches how certain you feel
Acho que often makes a statement sound like a personal impression or a careful guess. Penso que can foreground your reasoning or viewpoint. If you are sure, state the information directly; if you are uncertain, perhaps or não tenho certeza can make that clear.
Avoid treating either verb as a precise certainty scale. Intonation, context, and the rest of the sentence matter. Notice how a speaker responds to a question and whether they offer a reason after sharing an opinion.
Acho que o ônibus já passou.
I think the bus has already gone by.
Penso bastante antes de tomar uma decisão.
I think carefully before making a decision.
Não tenho certeza, mas acho que a loja fecha às oito.
I’m not sure, but I think the store closes at eight.
Keep an opinion exchange open
After sharing your opinion, invite another perspective with e você, o que acha? (and you, what do you think?). You can agree, add a reason, or politely see it differently. A follow-up question keeps the exchange collaborative instead of turning it into a debate you did not intend.
For more practice, continue with Real Life Portuguese guides to sharing an opinion and using prefiro. I Speak Portuguese teachers can help you compare these verbs in conversations about travel, movies, and plans. Use the full clause to make your meaning clear.
Eu acho melhor sair cedo. E você, o que acha?
I think it’s better to leave early. And you, what do you think?
Penso diferente, mas entendo o seu ponto.
I think differently, but I understand your point.
O que você pensa sobre morar em outra cidade?
What do you think about living in another city?
Put it into practice
Use acho que as a common way to share an impression, and pensar for thinking about, considering, or emphasizing a viewpoint. The verbs overlap, so context and tone guide the choice.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “What do you think about living in another city”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.