半信半疑
半信半疑 (bàn xìn bàn yí) literally means “half believing half doubting” and expresses “skeptical; uncertain”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: ban xin ban yi, ban xin ban yi,半信半疑 meaning, 半信半疑 in english
Skeptical; uncertain
Pronunciation: bàn xìn bàn yí
Literal meaning: Half believing half doubting
Origin & Usage
This idiom precisely captures the state of partial belief (半信) mixed with partial doubt (半疑), describing uncertainty where one can neither fully accept nor completely reject something. The balanced structure of 'half-half' reflects the equilibrium of competing inclinations. The phrase appears in Ming Dynasty vernacular literature depicting characters receiving incredible news. It represents a mature, cautious response to uncertain information. Modern usage describes healthy skepticism or the natural state of processing unverified claims.
Examples
English: "She was skeptical about his explanation but couldn't dismiss it entirely."
Chinese: 她对他的解释半信半疑。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 半信半疑 mean in English?
半信半疑 (bàn xìn bàn yí) literally translates to “Half believing half doubting” and is used to express “Skeptical; uncertain”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 半信半疑 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving skeptical; uncertain.
What is the pinyin for 半信半疑?
The pinyin pronunciation for 半信半疑 is “bàn xìn bàn yí”.