Skip to content

以为

yǐ wéi
HSK 2.0 Level 3 HSK 3.0 Level 3 Verb Very common

Definitions

  1. 1. 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.)

Stop forgetting what you study. Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial · $9.99 / year

Continue with Email
Try the 30-second demo

Usage notes

Formality

以为在口语和书面语均可用,但暗示错误认识时带有自嘲或委婉纠正的语气,正式语体中仍可使用。

Example Sentences

2 shown
以为 今天是星期三,原来是星期四。
I thought today was Wednesday, but it turns out it's Thursday.
大家都 以为 他是疯子。
Everyone thought he was a madman.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.