no creo que + Subjunctive
Subjunctive with Disbelief
Use 'no creo que' followed by a verb in the subjunctive to say you don't think or believe something is true.
How It Works
The phrase no creo que is one of the most common triggers for the present subjunctive in Spanish. It's used to express disbelief, doubt, or uncertainty about the statement that follows.
The key is the contrast between affirmation and negation:
- Creo que + Indicative: Used for expressing a belief or opinion you hold to be true.
Creo que hace frío. (I think it's cold.) - No creo que + Subjunctive: Used for expressing something you don't believe is true, introducing doubt.
No creo que haga frío. (I don't think it's cold.)
This pattern works with any subject for the verb 'creer': no crees que, no cree que, no creemos que, etc.
For the ordinary disbelief reading, the structure is: no creer que + clause in the subjunctive
This same logic applies to other verbs of opinion when negated, such as no pensar que (to not think that) and no parecer que (to not seem that).
Subjects need not differ and can be omitted: No creo que pueda hacerlo can mean 'I don't think I can do it'. The subjunctive tense depends on time: No creo que haya llegado refers to an earlier arrival.
Indicative is possible in special contexts, such as rejecting or correcting another person's wording. Negative questions seeking agreement can also use indicative: ¿No crees que es tarde? (Don't you think it's late?) These uses differ from the ordinary disbelief statement taught here.
Examples (4)
- No creo que llueva mañana.
I don't think it will rain tomorrow.
Word by Word: Not I-think that it-rains(subj.) tomorrow.
- Ella no cree que su hermano sepa la verdad.
She doesn't think her brother knows the truth.
Word by Word: She not thinks that her brother knows(subj.) the truth.
- No creemos que el examen sea tan difícil.
We don't think the exam is that difficult.
Word by Word: Not we-think that the exam is(subj.) so difficult.
- Mis padres no creen que yo pueda hacerlo solo.
My parents don't think I can do it alone.
Word by Word: My parents not think that I can(subj.) do-it alone.
Common Mistakes
Using indicative for the intended ordinary disbelief reading.
No creo que él tiene la respuesta.No creo que él tenga la respuesta.For 'I don't think he has the answer', use 'tenga'. Affirmative 'Creo que él tiene la respuesta' presents a belief with indicative. Marked echo or corrective uses can allow indicative after 'no creo que', so the first sentence is a mismatch for this intended reading, not impossible in every context.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'no creo que + subjunctive', you first need to understand how to negate a verb in Spanish. Since this pattern specifically triggers the subjunctive mood to express disbelief, you must also be familiar with present subjunctive conjugations and the general concept of using the subjunctive for doubt.
- no + VerbBasic Negation
Understanding basic negation is essential because the use of the subjunctive in this pattern is triggered specifically by the negation of the verb 'creer'.
Foundations - dudo que + SubjunctiveSubjunctive with Doubt
This pattern introduces the concept of using the subjunctive to express doubt or disbelief, which is the same functional logic used in 'no creo que'.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- es posible que + SubjunctiveSubjunctive with Possibility
Both patterns express a degree of uncertainty. While 'no creo que' is about disbelief, 'es posible que' (it's possible that) expresses possibility, another key reason to use the subjunctive.
Level 3 - -a/-as/-a/-amos/-áis/-anPresent Subjunctive -ER/-IR
These regular -ER/-IR endings help with present subjunctive forms. 'Saber' has irregular sep- and 'ser' has sea- forms, which must be learned rather than derived from the regular infinitive stem.
Level 3 - quiero que + SubjunctiveSubjunctive with Wishes
This is another common structure that requires the subjunctive, but for expressing wishes or desires rather than doubt. Comparing them helps understand the different triggers for the subjunctive mood.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice no creo que + Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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