to think; to believe; to hold the opinion
HSK level
认为 is written with 8 strokes (认: 4, 为: 4). The animation replays automatically.
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: Slightly more formal / considered than 觉得. Used in essays, news, opinions stated with conviction. 觉得 is the everyday spoken equivalent.
Character by character
Memory hook: 认 (recognize) + 为 (as) — to recognize something AS being something = to hold that view.
认为 appears in 1 Fluentide podcast episode at natural native speed — each with the full Chinese script, pinyin, and line-by-line English translation.
Browse the full episode library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
觉得 is the casual, spoken 'I think / I feel.' 认为 is heavier and more considered. 我觉得这部电影不错 (casual: this movie's not bad) vs 我认为这部电影反映了社会问题 (considered: this movie reflects social issues). Beginners overuse 认为 in chitchat — use 觉得.
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