视为

• Pinyin: shì wéi
• Hanzi breakdown: 视 = 礻(spirit) + 见 (see); 为 = hand leading an elephant, meaning to do/act as

Meaning

To regard as; to consider as; to view as.

A formal expression meaning to consider or treat something/someone as something else. Used in formal writing, legal documents, and official statements. Often followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating what something is considered to be.

Examples

1. 这种行为将被视为违规。 This kind of behavior will be regarded as a violation.
2. 他被视为这个领域的权威。 He is regarded as an authority in this field.
3. 很多人视为理所当然的事情其实来之不易。 Many things that people take for granted are actually hard-won.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, official, academic

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 此行为视为放弃权利。(This action is considered waiving rights.)
• 她被视为榜样。(She is regarded as a role model.)

Don't Say

• 我视为他是好人 — wrong structure; say 我视他为好人 or 我认为他是好人

Origin & History

Compound of 视 (to view/regard) + 为 (as/to be), meaning to view as being something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal