Definition
以为 (yǐwéi) means 'to think' but specifically implies that the thought is mistaken or later proven wrong — it's like 'to be under the impression that…'. Unlike 认为 (rènwéi), which is a neutral belief or opinion, 以为 is used when you realize you were incorrect. 想 (xiǎng) is broader: to think, want, or miss.
verb
to think (often mistakenly)to be under the impression (that…)
Easily confused
- 意味yì wèisound-alikemeaning (of words, expressions, etc.)
- 一味yī wèisound-alikeblindly; stubbornly; persistently (in a negative sense)
Examples
- 以为，。Wǒ yǐ wéi nǐ zǒu le, méi xiǎng dào nǐ hái zài.I thought you had left, but I didn't expect you were still here.
- 以为，。Tā yǐ wéi zìjǐ shì duì de, dànshì bú duì.He thought he was right, but he wasn't.
- 以为，。Wǒmen yǐ wéi tā bú huì tóngyì, dànshì tā shuō kěyǐ.We thought she wouldn't agree, but she said yes.
Grammar
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