yǐ以wéi为(Mandarin)(Cantonese)
yǐ以
wéi为
(Mandarin)
(Cantonese)
以為 (Traditional: 以為)
HSK 3
Dictionary
to think; to believe (often with the implication that the belief is mistaken – unless referring to one's own current belief)
Examples
我以为你今天会来，结果你没来。
Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ jīntiān huì lái, jiéguǒ nǐ méi lái.
→ I thought you would come today, but you didn't.
我以为这个菜不辣，其实很辣。
Wǒ yǐwéi zhège cài bú là, qíshí hěn là.
→ I thought this dish wasn't spicy, but it actually is.
Did You Know?
Confusable
Word Formation
以 means 'to use' and 为 means 'to do/be'.
Usage Tips
以为 implies a mistaken belief (以为他会来 = thought he would come, but he didn't), while 认为 is for current opinions (认为他是对的 = think he is right).