io penso che
Lemma: io penso che
Translation: I think that; I believe that; in my opinion (phrase)
Etymology: This phrase combines the first-person singular pronoun 'io' (I), the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb 'pensare' (to think) which is 'penso', and the conjunction 'che' (that). 'Pensare' derives from Latin 'pensare' meaning 'to weigh, consider, estimate', which is related to English words like 'pensive' and 'pension' (originally money 'weighed out').
Mnemonics
- Think of 'penso' as related to 'pensive' in English (thoughtful).
- The structure 'io penso che' signals that a subjunctive verb often follows in formal Italian.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common phrase in Italian conversation when expressing opinions. Note that in Italian, unlike English, the subjunctive mood often follows 'penso che' when expressing uncertainty or subjective opinions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Io penso che' introduces a clause or opinion (I think that...), while 'penso a' means 'I think about/of' and is followed by a noun or pronoun.
This word:
Io penso che sia tardi.
I think it's late.
Confused word:
Penso a te ogni giorno.
I think about you every day.
Notes: The construction with 'che' typically requires the subjunctive mood in formal Italian when expressing uncertainty.
Mnemonic: 'Penso che' introduces what you think IS true; 'penso a' introduces what you're thinking ABOUT.