Comparing "renwei" and "yiwei"
认为 (rènwéi) and 以为 (yǐwéi) are both verbs that mean "to think" in terms of "to consider" or "to deem" something to be true or false. Both are used be used in informal and formal contexts and sometimes can be used interchangeably. However, only 认为 is often used to mean "in my opinion." Only 以为 is used to describe a situation in which you thought something to be true or correct, but in reality it wasn't.
| 认为 (rènwéi) | 以为 (yǐwéi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to think | to think mistakenly |
| Part of Speech | verb | verb (mostly) |
| Formality | flexible | flexible |
Contents
认为 means "to think"
认为 is somewhat more formal than 觉得, but means the same thing.
- 我认为中国菜很好吃。
以为 can mean "mistakenly believed"
以为 is used to describe a situation in which you thought something was true or correct, but later found out that was not the case.
Example sentences
In the following examples only 认为 can be used.
- 我以为你是美国人，原来你是加拿大人。
- 我以为你下午才过来，没想到你会这么早就到了。
To say "to think" or "to consider" many times both 认为 and 以为 can be used interchangeably
Common Phrases
In the following examples both 认为 and 以为 can be used.
- 我～
- 你～
- ～很好
- ～很不错
- ～可以
To say “in my opinion” use 认为
Example sentences
- 我认为中国菜很好吃。
Websites
“以为”和“认为” https://zhidao.baidu.com/question/653992511686170765.html
