Credo che…Expressing Opinions in Italian

…and your easiest guide to congiuntivo.

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn how to express opinions in Italian using common verbs like credo che… and penso che… These expressions typically require the subjunctive mood (congiuntivo), which many students find intimidating at first. However, our goal is to show you that the subjunctive can actually be explained in simple terms and learned quickly.

We’ll begin with a straightforward introduction to the congiuntivo—a verb mood essential for expressing doubts, hopes, opinions, and uncertainties. While the subjunctive often feels challenging, breaking it down into its basic elements makes it much easier to understand and use naturally.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll see how what once seemed complicated can be approached with confidence and clarity.

Introduction to the subjunctive

Unlike verb tenses, the subjunctive (congiuntivo) is a mood—it doesn’t indicate when something happens, but rather the speaker’s attitude toward the action. While the indicative mood states facts or things considered certain, the subjunctive often conveys something possible (or impossible), wished for, or uncertain.

This is why the congiuntivo is commonly used to express opinions, as it conveys a subjective reality shaped by personal perceptions, doubts, or beliefs rather than objective facts.

For example, when you say “I think that…” or “I hope that…” in Italian, the verb following “that” appears in the congiuntivo, linking your opinion or wish to that statement.

Simply put for elementary learners: the congiuntivo is used when we talk about things that are subjective, and depend, for example, on opinions and therefore are not factual.

See the conjugation of regular verbs in the present subjunctive tense at the end of this lesson.

Vocabulary and Opinion Starters

Here are some essential verbs and useful opinion phrases, along with explanations of the grammatical structures they require:

Important verbs

• pensare (to think)
• credere (to believe)
• sembrare (to seem)

Opinion Starters & Their Grammar

For this introductory lesson, we will concentrate only on these three verbs and how to use them with the subjunctive. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified for subsequent lessons on this topic, coming soon.

• Penso che + congiuntivo
  • Penso che sia importante imparare le lingue.
    (I think it’s important to learn languages.)

Use the subjunctive (congiuntivo) after penso che, as this introduces an opinion about something not factual. Sia is subjunctive of the verb essere (see the conjugation of this irregular verb at the end of this lesson).

• Credo che + congiuntivo
  • Credo che gli italiani parlino velocemente.
    (I believe Italians speak quickly.)

Similar to penso che, always use the subjunctive. Parlino is the subjunctive of the regular verb parlare. (See conjugation at the end).

• Mi sembra che + congiuntivo
  • Mi sembra che il corso sia utile.
    (It seems to me that the course is useful.)

Use the subjunctive (congiuntivo) after this expression.

Not ready for the subjunctive yet?

You can still express your opinions confidently with these phrases, which use the indicative. The indicative mood is made up of the tenses you first learned at beginner level, so these structures will already be familiar to you.

• Secondo me + indicativo
  • Secondo me il film è bello.
    (In my opinion, the movie is good.)
• A mio parere / A mio avviso + indicativo
  • A mio parere questa pizza è la migliore.
    (In my view, this pizza is the best.)

Some ready-to-use expressions

Let’s now dive into more ready-to-use expressions to give your opinion.

• Hai ragione. (You’re right.)
• Anch’io la penso così. (I think so too.)
• Sono d’accordo. (I agree.)
• Completamente d’accordo con te! (I agree with you completely)
• Non sono d’accordo. (I don’t agree)
• Non credo proprio. (I don’t agree at all)
• Non sono sicuro di questo. (I’m not sure about that.)
• Non la penso così. (I don’t think so./I don’t agree with this.)

Example of real dialogue

Anna: Secondo me, la cucina italiana è la migliore del mondo.
Marco: Anch’io la penso così! Però penso che sia difficile imparare a cucinare bene.
Anna: Sì, è vero. Credo che ci voglia molta pratica.
Marco: Preferisco mangiare… è più semplice!

Do you understand the meaning of this conversation? Here is a translation:

Anna: In my opinion, Italian cuisine is the best in the world.
Marco: I think so too! But I think it’s hard to learn to cook well.
Anna: Yes, that’s true. I believe it takes a lot of practice.
Marco: I prefer eating… it’s easier!

Practice Activities

Ready to study the subjunctive conjugations? Look at the end of this blog lesson for the full conjugations of the present tense and also of two irregular verbs (essre and avere). Have a look and you’ll see that even the conjugations are easy to learn… After studying the conjugations, come back and do the following practice activities.

1. Completa le frasi con la forma corretta del congiuntivo

(attenzione: essere e avere sono verbi irregolari)

1. Io credo che tu ___ (essere) molto bravo a cucinare.
2. Penso che Marco ___ (arrivare) tardi alla festa.
3. Mi sembra che loro ___ (avere) bisogno di aiuto.
4. Tu credi che il film ___ (essere) interessante?
5. Non penso che Anna e Luca ___ (partire) domani.
6. Mi sembra che voi ___ (mangiare) poco.
7. Crediamo che il tempo ___ (migliorare) presto.
8. Tu pensi che Giulia ___ (studiare) per l’esame?
9. Mi sembra che lui non ___ (partire) domani.
10. Penso che voi ___ (essere) molto simpatici.

Soluzioni

1. sia
2. arrivi
3. abbiano
4. sia
5. partano
6. mangiate
7. migliori
8. studi
9. parta
10. siate

B. Fill in the blank with the correct form (indicativo or congiuntivo):

1. Secondo me, gli italiani _______ (essere) molto gentili.
2. Credo che questo corso _______ (essere) interessante.
3. A mio avviso, tu  _______ (parlare) troppo.
4. Penso che il congiuntivo_______ (essere) facile.
5. A mio parere Giuliano e Claudia _______ (avere) ragione
6. Penso che loro _______ (dormire) molto.
7. Mi sembra che Loredana _________ (ricevere) molte mail.

Soluzioni

1. sono
2. sia
3. parli
4. sia
5. hanno
6. dormano
7. riceva

3. Conversation prompt:
   Parla di un film che ti piace e spiega perché, usando almeno uno starter con il congiuntivo. Esempio: Credo che il film sia…

Cultural Tips

• In Italy, it’s common to share opinions openly, even if you disagree!
• Gestures often accompany opinions—observe Italians’ body language for added expressiveness.

Conclusion

Practice these structures and phrases, paying special attention to when you need the indicative or subjunctive moods.

The best way is to start familiarising yourself with these expressions. Start by using just one in your speaking. When you feel comfortable with the first one, start using a second one and so on. You could also just learn the first person of the subjunctive to start with, to express your personal opinion. When broken down to tiny baby steps, anything complex becomes doable and feels easy.

The more you use them, the more naturally you’ll be able to participate in Italian conversations—and express your own opinions!

Want to learn more about the subjunctive? Don’t miss our next lesson. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified about the next lesson on this topic, coming soon.

Subjunctive conjugations

Quick tip: Notice that the three singular persons of any subjunctive verb, regular or irregular, are always the same. Also, noi is always conjugated as in the indicative.

Quick tip: notice how all the endings, for each person, for the -are verbs start with I

Quick tip: both verbs ending in -ere and -ire follow the same conjugation as in the above example, less to remember!!