不以为然

• Pinyin: bù yǐ wéi rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 以 = to use/consider; 为 = to be/as; 然 = 月 (flesh) + 犬 (dog) + 火 (fire), originally depicting roasting meat, meaning 'so' or 'thus'

Meaning

To disapprove; to not think so; to disagree. Expressing skepticism or disagreement with something said or done.

Often describes a subtle, perhaps unexpressed disagreement. The person may not openly object but internally dismisses the idea. Can appear in expressions, attitudes, or subtle body language. Different from outright opposition.

Examples

1. 他对我的建议不以为然，觉得太保守了。 He disagreed with my suggestion, thinking it was too conservative.
2. 老板说要加班，员工们脸上都是不以为然的表情。 When the boss mentioned overtime, the employees all had dismissive looks on their faces.
3. 专家们对这个研究结论不以为然，认为样本量太小。 Experts are skeptical of this research conclusion, believing the sample size is too small.

Usage Guide

Context: disagreement, skepticism, reactions

Tone: dismissive

Do Say

• 她对此不以为然。(She doesn't think much of it.)
• 他不以为然地摇了摇头。(He shook his head dismissively.)

Don't Say

• 我不以为然这道菜。(不以为然 is used for opinions or statements, not objects — restructure to 我对这道菜不以为然)

Origin & History

不以为 (to not consider) + 然 (so, correct). Literally 'to not consider it so,' meaning to disagree with a characterization or conclusion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal