In Portuguese, pensar, achar, acreditar and crer are used to express thoughts, opinions and beliefs. They are usually translated into English as "to think" or "to believe". Although some people use them interchangeably, there are indeed some differences and nuances:
- Pensar refers to the act of thinking and forming thoughts about something or someone. Example: penso nela todos os dias.
- Achar is used to express opinions based on subjective judgment rather than factual evidence. Example: acho que os brasileiros são pessoas maravilhosas.
- Acreditar indicates a stronger belief or trust based on knowledge, faith or confidence in something or someone. Example: ela acredita nas suas palavras.
- Crer conveys a conviction of something as true or real. Example: creio na vida após a morte. In some cases it is similar to acreditar. Example: creio em Deus / acredito em Deus.