不以为然

bù yǐ wéi rán

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Rare

Definitions

1. not to accept as correct (idiom); to object
2. to disapprove
3. to take exception to

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 赞同 zàn tóng 赞同 zàn tóng to approve of 表示同意: to approve of

Synonyms

2 items

• 反对 fǎn duì 反对 fǎn duì to fight against 表示不同意: to fight against
• 不赞成 bù zàn chéng 不赞成 bù zàn chéng disapproval 表示不认同: disapproval

Usage notes

Common mistakes

“不以为然” often misused to mean “not care” (不在意); it actually means “disapprove” or “disagree”.

Formality

Mainly used in formal or written contexts; less common in casual speech.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他对我的建议 不以为然 。

He didn't agree with my suggestion.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 不以为然

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 以 以 yǐ: to use
• 以为 以为 yǐ wéi: to think (i.e. to take it to be true that ...) (Usually there is an implication that the notion is mistaken – except when expressing one's own current opinion.)
• 为 为 wéi: as (in the capacity of)
• 为 为 wèi: because of
• 然 然 rán: correct