以为 yǐ wéi
“to think (i.e. to take it to be true that ...) (Usually there is an implication that the notion is mistaken – except when expressing one's own current opinion.)”
verbHSK 3 · 2021 list level 2Traditional 以為
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
以为 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 933: 以为 yǐwéi — Level 3; official annotation 3 (动). PDF page 103
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 以为
以为 means to think or assume something, and it often suggests that the assumption was wrong. It is used as a verb before a clause: 我以为 + subject + verb. In everyday speech it commonly appears with a later correction such as 其实 or 结果.
例句Example sentences
- 我以为今天不上课，结果上课了。wǒ yǐ wéi jīn tiān bú shàng kè, jié guǒ shàng kè le.I thought there was no class today, but there was class after all.
- 我以为你回家了。wǒ yǐ wéi nǐ huí jiā le.I thought you had gone home.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我以为了他是老师。
✓我以为他是老师。
以为 is not used with 了 here; the past meaning comes from context.
-
✗我以为是他是老师。
✓我以为他是老师。
以为 is followed by a clause, so do not add 是 before the subject pronoun.
易混词Easily confused
以为vs认为
认为 is a neutral opinion, while 以为 usually implies the belief turned out to be wrong.