opinar
verbCEFR B1
What does “opinar” mean in English?
to express an opinion, to think
to express an opinion, to think (on a topic) — opinar sobre / opinar que
Example sentences
Opino que el problema principal es la falta de comunicación entre los departamentos.
I think the main problem is the lack of communication between departments.
No opino que cambiar de estrategia sea la solución más adecuada en este momento.
I don't think changing strategy is the most appropriate solution right now.
¿Qué opinas sobre la propuesta que hicieron ayer en la reunión?
What do you think about the proposal they made in yesterday's meeting?
How to use it
Opinar means 'to express an opinion' or 'to think (on a topic)'. It is typically intransitive and followed by sobre + noun/topic or que + clause. When positive, it takes indicative in the subordinate clause: Opino que es una buena idea. When negative or in a genuine question, the embedded clause shifts to subjunctive: No opino que sea la mejor solución / ¿Opinas que sea conveniente? — the mood-flip signals doubt rather than assertion.
Common mistake
When opinar is positive, use indicative: 'Opino que tienes razón'. When negative, flip to subjunctive: 'No opino que tengas razón' — not *'No opino que tienes razón'. English 'I don't think you're right' maps to subjunctive in Spanish, but learners default to indicative by analogy with the positive form.