以為 means to think/suppose (often mistaken expectation revealed later).
Subjective assumption marker - speaker believed X
Frequent expectation-reversal usage - turns out not as assumed
Narrative perspective tool - contrasts belief and reality
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Often implies mistaken assumption in context
- Though not mandatory in every sentence.
Distinguish from 覺得/認為 nuance
- 以為 frequently carries prior-belief angle.
Follow-up clause/context often reveals reality
- Helps complete meaning.
I thought today was a holiday, but still had to work.
He assumed the issue was easy, later found it was not.
I thought you already knew.
Everyone thought it would fail, but it succeeded.
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