以为
yǐwéi
To think, to believe (often mistakenly)
How to say “mistakenly think that” in Chinese with 以为 (yǐwéi)
Subj. + 以为 (yǐwéi)⋯⋯
以为 (yǐ wéi) — mistakenly think that
HSK 4Verbs
Subj. + 以为 (yǐwéi)⋯⋯
HSK 4Verbs以为 (yǐ wéi) — mistakenly think that
Rule structure
以为 (yǐwéi) means "to think (mistakenly), to assume incorrectly". It implies that the speaker's previous belief was wrong.
Rule structure
以为 (yǐwéi) means "to think (mistakenly), to assume incorrectly". It implies that the speaker's previous belief was wrong.
Examples
我以为他是老师，其实他是学生。
Wǒ yǐwéi tā shì lǎoshī, qíshí tā shì xuésheng.
I thought he was a teacher, but actually he is a student.
她以为这是我的书。
Tā yǐwéi zhè shì wǒ de shū.
She thought this was my book.
我们以为明天有考试。
Wǒmen yǐwéi míngtiān yǒu kǎoshì.
We thought there was an exam tomorrow.
Examples
我以为他是老师，其实他是学生。
Wǒ yǐwéi tā shì lǎoshī, qíshí tā shì xuésheng.
I thought he was a teacher, but actually he is a student.
她以为这是我的书。
Tā yǐwéi zhè shì wǒ de shū.
She thought this was my book.
我们以为明天有考试。
Wǒmen yǐwéi míngtiān yǒu kǎoshì.
We thought there was an exam tomorrow.
Practice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “mistakenly think that” in Chinese with 以为?
Use the structure: Subj. + 以为 (yǐwéi)⋯⋯. For example: 我以为他是老师，其实他是学生。 — “I thought he was a teacher, but actually he is a student”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我以为他是老师，其实他是学生。 — “I thought he was a teacher, but actually he is a student”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 4.
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More HSK 4 grammar rules
这得看 — it depends on
这 (zhè) / 那 (nà) + 要看 (yào kàn) / 得看 (děi kàn) + situation
来自 — to come from
Subj. + 来自 (láizì) + Place / Source
好像 — it seems
好像 (hǎoxiàng) + Clause
在于 — lies in
在于 (zàiyú) + Noun / Clause
来 — “to” linking actions
Verb Phrase 1 + 来 (lái) + Verb Phrase 2
通过 — through, by means of
通过 (tōngguò) + Means / Method + Verb
全 — whole, entire
全 (quán) + Measure Word + Noun
到 — until (time/place/degree)
Verb + 到 (dào) + Time / Place / Degree