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
Common phrases with 认为
Synonyms
Don't confuse 认为 with
FAQ
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