我以为
wǒ yǐwéi
The Chinese phrase for "I thought" is 我以为 (wǒ yǐwéi).
我以为 is used to describe a belief that was held in the past but has since been proven wrong. It expresses a previous assumption that turned out to be incorrect.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb part of the phrase, 以为, literally means "to think/assume (mistakenly)." The verb inherently carries the connotation that the assumption was incorrect.
Which one should you use?
While 我以为 is used for a mistaken belief, 我认为 (wǒ rènwéi) is used to express a firm opinion or a belief that is currently held.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ yǐwéi
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 我觉得 (wǒ juéde) to mean "I thought (but was wrong)". However, 我觉得 is used for expressing current feelings or opinions.
Did you know?
- In Chinese, the verb 以为 is so specifically tied to being wrong that you can use it alone to correct someone without saying 'no' or 'but'.
- The phrase 以为 is so strongly tied to error that using it in a professional setting to describe a plan could make you sound like you were incompetent rather than just mistaken.
- The character 以 in 以为 originally meant 'to use', suggesting that the speaker 'used' a certain premise to reach a conclusion.
Examples in context
- 我以为你在听。I thought you were listening.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of 我以为.Tatoeba #8500229 by black333, translation #5915857 by CK
- 我以为这是真的。I thought it was true.Tatoeba #1415728 by sadhen, translation #2401 by CK
- 我以为你认识他们。I thought you knew them.Tatoeba #12717253 by Duyu09, translation #3914014 by CH
- 我觉得这部电影非常有趣。I thought/felt this movie was very interesting.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are discussing their plans for the afternoon.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你现在要去超市吗？Jiāyí, nǐ xiànzài yào qù chāoshì ma?Jiayi, are you going to the supermarket now?
- 佳怡 Jiayi不是，我以为你下午有空。Búshì, wǒ yǐwéi nǐ xiàwǔ yǒu kòng.No, I thought you were free this afternoon.
- 志强 Zhiqiang不好意思，我刚好有个会。Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ gānghǎo yǒu gè huì.Sorry, I happen to have a meeting.
- 佳怡 Jiayi没关系，那我们改天再约。Méiguānxì, nà wǒmen gǎitiān zài yuē.That's okay, let's meet another day.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
