The Verb '以为'

Description

In Chinese, the verb '以为' (yǐwéi) is used to express an incorrect assumption or belief. It means "to think" or "to believe" but implies that the thought or belief was mistaken.

Usage

'以为' (yǐwéi) is often used when someone realizes that their previous belief or assumption was wrong. It is typically followed by a clause that explains what the incorrect assumption was.

Examples

• 我以为今天是星期二，其实是星期三。(Wǒ yǐwéi jīntiān shì xīngqī'èr, qíshí shì xīngqīsān.) - I thought today was Tuesday, but actually, it is Wednesday.
• 他以为你不来了。(Tā yǐwéi nǐ bù lái le.) - He thought you were not coming.
• 我们以为他已经走了。(Wǒmen yǐwéi tā yǐjīng zǒu le.) - We thought he had already left.

Key Points

• The verb '以为' (yǐwéi) is used to express an incorrect assumption or belief.
• It means "to think" or "to believe" with the implication that the thought or belief was mistaken.
• Often followed by a clause that explains what the incorrect assumption was.
• Commonly used when someone realizes their previous belief was wrong.