认为
to think; to believe; to hold the opinion
rènwéi
What does 认为 mean?
认为 (rènwéi) means 'to think / to believe / to hold the view that' — used to introduce an opinion or judgment. The literal sense is 认 'recognize' + 为 'as / to be,' i.e. 'to recognize something as being a certain way.' It is more weighty and considered than 觉得 (juéde), which covers casual 'I feel / I think.'
Use 认为 when you are stating a position you actually hold, often in writing, news commentary, debate, or formal speech: 我认为这是对的 ('I believe this is right'). Use 觉得 for fleeting feelings or casual takes. 认为 is followed directly by a full clause — no 是 or 这 needed: 我认为他很聪明, not 我认为是他很聪明. Negation goes before 认为: 我不认为...
Note:
Character breakdown
to recognize; to acknowledge (speech radical 讠)
to be; to take as (literary 'as')
Memory hook: 认 (recognize) + 为 (as) — to recognize something AS being something = to hold that view.
Example sentences
我认为这个主意很好。
Wǒ rènwéi zhège zhǔyi hěn hǎo.
I think this idea is great.
neutral
他认为我们应该早点出发。
Tā rènwéi wǒmen yīnggāi zǎo diǎn chūfā.
He thinks we should leave a bit earlier.
neutral
很多人认为学中文很难。
Hěn duō rén rènwéi xué Zhōngwén hěn nán.
Many people believe learning Chinese is hard.
neutral
我不认为这是他的错。
Wǒ bù rènwéi zhè shì tā de cuò.
I don't think this is his fault.
neutral
老师认为我的作文写得不错。
Lǎoshī rènwéi wǒ de zuòwén xiě de búcuò.
The teacher thinks my essay is well written.
neutral