相信

xiāngxìn

to be convinced (that sth is true); to believe; to accept sth as true

HSK 3

Character Breakdown

Usage of 相信

The verb 相信 (xiāngxìn) means 'to believe' or 'to trust' someone or something as true or reliable. It is commonly used when expressing confidence in a person's ability, honesty, or in the truth of a statement.

Common Collocations

  • 相信自己 (xiāngxìn zìjǐ): believe in oneself, often used to encourage confidence.
  • 相信别人 (xiāngxìn biérén): trust others, implying reliance on others' words or actions.
  • 相信科学 (xiāngxìn kēxué): believe in science, contrasting with superstition or doubt.

Nuances

When you say 相信, you imply a conscious acceptance or trust based on some reason or evidence, not blind faith. It is stronger than just 'hope' or 'wish'.

Common Confusion

Don't confuse 相信 with 信任 (xìnrèn), which focuses more on trustworthiness and reliability in relationships. 相信 is more about believing facts or someone's words.

Register

This word is neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Mandarin.

Example Sentences

我相信你的能力,你一定能完成这个项目。

Wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ de nénglì, nǐ yídìng néng wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.

I believe in your ability; you will definitely complete this project.

很多人不相信他的故事,因为听起来太不可思议了。

Hěn duō rén bù xiāngxìn tā de gùshì, yīnwèi tīng qǐlái tài bù kě sīyì le.

Many people don't believe his story because it sounds too incredible.

你应该相信科学的力量,而不是迷信。

Nǐ yīnggāi xiāngxìn kēxué de lìliàng, ér bùshì míxìn.

You should believe in the power of science, not superstition.