半信半疑

bàn xìn bàn yí

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Idiom Rare

Definitions

1. half doubting
2. dubious
3. skeptical

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Usage notes

Common mistakes

半信半疑 is a fixed idiom; do not reorder the components or substitute characters. It describes an ongoing state of doubt, not a momentary thought.

Formality

半信半疑 is neutral in register but often appears in narrative or descriptive contexts rather than casual speech. Use 不太相信 (bú tài xiāngxìn) for informal 'not quite believing'.

Grammar

Guides that feature 半信半疑

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 5 min

半A半B for “Half … Half …”

Use 半信半疑 and 半工半读 to say two different states are mixed together, half one and half the other.

Reading: bàn xìn bàn yí Open guide

Example Sentences

1 shown

我对他的解释半信半疑。

I am skeptical of his explanation.

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Child Words of 半信半疑

letter

half

to doubt