Penser à vs Penser de
At first glance, penser à vs penser de look almost the same, but they express two very different ideas. The preposition completely changes what you’re saying, whether you’re talking about what’s on your mind or giving your opinion.
You can download a PDF of this lesson guide in my private French Grammar Library.
1. Penser à – To think of / about
Use penser à when you’re talking about the person, thing, or idea that’s on your mind. It means to think of or to think about.
Examples:
- Je pense à toi. I’m thinking of you.
- Elle pense à ses vacances. She’s thinking about her vacation.
- Tu penses à fermer la porte? Are you thinking about closing the door?
It’s often used when you’re remembering, considering, or focusing on something or someone.
If you could replace it with “to think of/about” without giving an opinion in English, use penser à.
2. Penser de – To think of something in the sense of having an opinion
Use penser de when you’re asking for or giving an opinion or judgment about something.
Examples:
- Qu’est-ce que tu penses de ce film ? What do you think of this movie?
- Je ne pense pas grand-chose de son idée. I don’t think much of his idea.
- Que penses-tu de la politique actuelle? What do you think of current politics?
If you could replace it with “what do you think of…” or “your opinion about…”, it’s penser de.
3. Simple way to remember
- Penser à – what’s on your mind
- Penser de – your opinion about something
Think of à as pointing toward what you’re thinking about, and de as describing what you think of it.
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