As you start to build a wider vocabulary in Chinese, you’re bound to encounter words that share the same general translation in English but have widely different nuances in meaning and usage. It can be difficult to differentiate between these synonyms because their precise meaning may not have a one-to-one English equivalent.
For example, the words 想 (xiǎng), 觉得 (juéde), 认为 (rènwéi), and 以为 (yǐwéi) all mean “think”, but did you know that they can express widely different levels of sureness and subjectivity? The verb 以为 can even imply that someone believes something that is factually false, which is a very tricky thing to translate into simple English.
Here, we’ve provided a detailed overview of each of these four verbs, followed by a table that you can use to compare and contrast their different uses quickly. At the end, you can test your knowledge with a quick quiz to make sure that you’ve fully grasped when to use which verb.
Overview: The four main verbs meaning “think” in Chinese
想 (xiǎng)
Note: 想 can also be used to express personal desires or plans, which is often how it is first introduced at the beginner level.
For example:
我想去商店买一些水果。(Wǒ xiǎnɡ qù shānɡdiàn mǎi yìxiē shuǐɡuǒ.)I want to go to the shop to buy some fruit.
觉得 (juéde)
认为 (rènwéi)
以为 (yǐwéi)
Comparison Chart: 想, 觉得, 认为, and 以为
Final Quiz: Test your understanding
Fill in the blanks with the correct verb.
1. 我 ________去公园散步。(Wǒ ________ qù gōng yuán sàn bù.)I want to go for a walk in the park.
2. 你 ________吃点儿什么？(Nǐ ________ chī diǎn er shén me?)What do you want to eat?
3. 我 ________今天很累。(Wǒ ________ jīn tiān hěn lèi.)I feel very tired today.
4. 你 ________这个计划怎么样？(Nǐ ________ zhè ge jì huà zěn me yàng?)What do you think of this plan?
5. 他 ________去看电影。(Tā ________ qù kàn diàn yǐng.)He wants to go watch a movie.
6. 她 ________这是个玩笑，但其实不是。(Tā ________ zhè shì ge wán xiào, dàn qíshí bùshì.)She thought this was a joke, but it’s not.
7. 我 ________你已经完成了作业，原来还没有。(Wǒ ________ nǐ yǐ jīng wán chéng le zuò yè, yuánlái hái méiyǒu.)I thought you had already finished your homework, but it turns out you haven’t.
8. 我 ________你会喜欢这本书。(Wǒ ________ nǐ huì xǐ huān zhè běn shū.)I think you will like this book.
9. 我 ________你在开玩笑。(Wǒ ________ nǐ zài kāi wán xiào.)I thought you were joking.
10. 我们 ________他会按时到达。(Wǒ men ________ tā huì àn shí dào dá.)We believe he will arrive on time.
Key:
- 想
- 想
- 觉得
- 觉得 / 认为
- 想
- 以为
- 以为
- 觉得 / 认为
- 以为
- 认为
Choose the correct option.
1. I think this is a good idea.
A) 我以为这是个好主意。B) 我认为这是个好主意。
2. I thought he was coming today.
A) 我觉得他今天会来。B) 我认为他今天会来。C) 我以为他今天会来。
Key：
- B
- C
