以为
HSK 3- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
以为 used to express a mistaken thought or judgment that differs from reality; often translated as "thought that," "assumed that," or "mistakenly believed that."
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
以为 (yǐ wéi) means "to think" or "to assume" — specifically used when referring to a past belief or assumption that later turned out to be wrong.
It emphasizes the gap between one's initial thought and reality. As a result, the second clause typically explains what the truth actually is, and words like 其实 (in fact) or 没想到 (unexpectedly) are commonly used. Do not confuse 以为 with 认为 (rèn wéi), which is simply used to express an opinion in a neutral way.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我以为你是老师。繁: 我以為你是老師。Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ shì lǎoshī.
I thought you were a teacher.
- 他以为今天星期天。繁: 他以為今天星期天。Tā yǐwéi jīntiān xīngqītiān.
He thought today was Sunday.
- 我们都以为他知道这件事。繁: 我們都以為他知道這件事。Wǒmen dōu yǐwéi tā zhīdào zhè jiàn shì.
We all thought he knew about this matter.
- 我以为这件衣服很贵。繁: 我以為這件衣服很貴。Wǒ yǐwéi zhè jiàn yīfu hěn guì.
I thought this garment was very expensive.
- 她以为他不会来了。繁: 她以為他不會來了。Tā yǐwéi tā bù huì lái le.
She thought he wouldn't come anymore.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我以为学汉语很有趣。Correct:我认为学汉语很有趣。
以为 is only used for mistaken thoughts. To express a viewpoint or personal opinion that you believe is correct, use 认为 or 觉得 instead.
- Wrong:你以为他是谁？Correct:你认为他是谁？
When asking for someone else's opinion, use 认为. Questions with 以为 carry a reproachful tone meaning "Who do you think he is?", not an ordinary question.