verb HSK 2
Traditional 認為
rèn wéi
to think · to consider · to believe · to deem

Meaning

认为 is a common verb meaning to hold an opinion or belief about something. It expresses what someone thinks or considers to be true. This word is more formal than 觉得 (juéde) and is often used when expressing considered opinions or judgments.

Usage

认为 is used to introduce personal opinions or beliefs, often followed by a clause. It's commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, though it's slightly more formal than 觉得. Native speakers frequently use it with 我 (wǒ, I) or other subjects to express viewpoints. It cannot take an object directly; it must be followed by a clause or sentence.

Examples

  1. 01
    认为这个计划很好。
    rèn wéi zhège jìhuà hěn hǎo.
    I think this plan is very good.
  2. 02
    很多人认为学中文很难。
    Hěn duō rén rèn wéi xué Zhōngwén hěn nán.
    Many people think learning Chinese is very difficult.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 认为
    rèn wéi
    I think that...
  • 普遍认为
    pǔbiàn rèn wéi
    generally considered, widely believed
  • 认为
    bèi rèn wéi shì
    to be considered as

Origin

The compound combines 认 (to recognize) and 为 (to be/act as), literally meaning to recognize something as being a certain way, which evolved to mean to consider or think.

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