我是这么想的...
wǒ shì zhèyàng xiǎng de...
This is what I think...
Literally: I am this-way thinking (of)...
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to introduce your opinion or suggestions.
- Softens your delivery to avoid sounding bossy or aggressive.
- Ideal for meetings, group decisions, or gentle disagreements.
Meaning
This is a soft way to introduce your opinion or a suggestion. It helps you sound thoughtful and polite rather than bossy or demanding.
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding on a dinner spot with friends
我是这么想的，今天太热了，我们去吃凉面吧？
This is what I'm thinking: it's too hot today, shall we go get cold noodles?
Proposing a new idea in a work meeting
关于这个项目，我是这么想的，我们可以先做个调研。
Regarding this project, here is my thought: we could do a survey first.
Gently disagreeing with a partner's weekend plan
我是这么想的，虽然爬山很好，但休息一下可能更舒服。
Here's how I see it: although hiking is great, resting might be more comfortable.
Cultural Background
This expression reflects the Chinese cultural preference for indirectness and 'hedging' to maintain social harmony. It gained widespread use in modern Mandarin as a way to balance personal assertiveness with traditional humility. It is particularly popular in urban professional settings where collaborative 'brainstorming' is common.
The Power of the Pause
After saying `我是这么想的`, pause for a half-second. It builds anticipation and makes your following point sound more considered.
The 'Face' Saver
In China, starting with this phrase is a 'cultural secret' to disagreeing without offending. It frames the disagreement as a personal thought rather than a direct attack.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to introduce your opinion or suggestions.
- Softens your delivery to avoid sounding bossy or aggressive.
- Ideal for meetings, group decisions, or gentle disagreements.
What It Means
我是这么想的 is your ultimate 'soft entry' phrase. It literally means 'I am thinking this way.' In English, we often just say 'I think...' or 'In my opinion.' But in Chinese, adding 这么 (this way) makes it feel more like you are sharing a perspective. It suggests your idea is just one possibility among many. It is the verbal equivalent of holding out a tray of snacks. You are offering your idea for others to consider, not forcing it down their throats.
How To Use It
You use this phrase right before you drop your main point. Think of it as a drumroll for your opinion. It works beautifully at the start of a sentence. You can also use it to respond when someone asks for your advice. It creates a small buffer. This buffer shows you have actually processed the information. It makes you sound like a deep thinker, even if you just came up with the idea two seconds ago.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be collaborative. It is perfect for workplace brainstorming sessions. It is great for deciding where to eat with friends. Use it when you need to disagree with someone gently. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' start with 我是这么想的. It signals that you have a different view without being aggressive. It is also a lifesaver in group chats when everyone is arguing about a weekend trip. It brings a sense of calm and logic to the digital chaos.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you need to give a direct command. If a building is on fire, do not say 我是这么想的，我们应该跑. Just tell people to run! Avoid it when you are 100% certain about a cold, hard fact. If someone asks what 2+2 is, saying 我是这么想的 makes you sound like you failed math. Also, avoid overusing it in a single conversation. If you say it five times in ten minutes, you might start to sound indecisive or a bit repetitive.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values 'mianzi' (face) and harmony. Being too blunt can make others feel uncomfortable. This phrase is a tool for 'hedging.' It protects the feelings of others by framing your opinion as a personal thought. It is not an objective truth; it is just 'how I am thinking.' This humble approach is highly respected in both social and professional circles. It shows you are a 'zi ji ren' (one of us) who cares about the group dynamic.
Common Variations
You can tweak this to fit different vibes. Add 其实 (actually) at the beginning to sound more persuasive: 其实我是这么想的. If you want to be even more polite, try 我是这样想的. The 这样 is slightly more formal than 这么. For a very casual vibe with close friends, you might just say 我想的是.... But for most daily interactions, the original phrase is your 'Goldilocks' choice—just right.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal phrase that is safe for almost any social situation. It is particularly useful for softening opinions in a way that respects the listener's 'face.'
The Power of the Pause
After saying `我是这么想的`, pause for a half-second. It builds anticipation and makes your following point sound more considered.
The 'Face' Saver
In China, starting with this phrase is a 'cultural secret' to disagreeing without offending. It frames the disagreement as a personal thought rather than a direct attack.
Don't Sound Like a Robot
Avoid using this for every single sentence. If you use it too much, you'll sound like you're reading from a script or trying too hard to be polite.
Examples
6我是这么想的，今天太热了，我们去吃凉面吧？
This is what I'm thinking: it's too hot today, shall we go get cold noodles?
Using the phrase here makes the suggestion feel like an invitation rather than an order.
关于这个项目，我是这么想的，我们可以先做个调研。
Regarding this project, here is my thought: we could do a survey first.
It sounds professional and shows you have a structured plan.
我是这么想的，虽然爬山很好，但休息一下可能更舒服。
Here's how I see it: although hiking is great, resting might be more comfortable.
It softens the 'no' and offers an alternative perspective.
我是这么想的... 既然他不回信息，我们就别等了。
This is what I think... since he's not replying, let's not wait.
The ellipsis adds a thoughtful, conversational pause in text form.
我是这么想的，火锅里不放香菜简直是犯罪！
This is what I think: not putting cilantro in hot pot is practically a crime!
Using a serious intro for a silly opinion creates a funny contrast.
关于未来，其实我是这么想的，开心最重要。
About the future, actually, this is what I think: being happy is most important.
Adding 'actually' (其实) makes the thought feel more sincere and heartfelt.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete this polite suggestion.
关于明天的聚会，___，我们每人带一个菜吧。
The context is a suggestion for a party, so the polite 'This is what I think' fits perfectly.
Which word makes the phrase slightly more formal?
我是___想的，我们可以尝试新的方案。
`这样` is the more formal counterpart to `这么` in this structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Sharing Opinions
Blunt and direct with close friends.
我觉得...
Polite, thoughtful, and very common.
我是这么想的...
Professional and slightly more distant.
我的看法是...
When to use '我是这么想的'
Work Meeting
Proposing a strategy
Group Chat
Planning a trip
With Partner
Resolving a small conflict
Restaurant
Deciding what to order
Practice Bank
2 exercises关于明天的聚会，___，我们每人带一个菜吧。
The context is a suggestion for a party, so the polite 'This is what I think' fits perfectly.
我是___想的，我们可以尝试新的方案。
`这样` is the more formal counterpart to `这么` in this structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very appropriate! It shows you are respectful but also have your own ideas. Use 我是这样想的 for a slightly more professional touch.
It's similar to 我觉得 (I feel/think), but it's more structured. It sounds like you have a specific plan or reasoning in mind rather than just a fleeting feeling.
Not at all. It sounds 'rational.' In Chinese communication, being rational and calm is often more persuasive than being loud and assertive.
这么 is more colloquial and common in spoken Mandarin. 这样 is a bit more formal and is often used in writing or serious speeches.
Usually no. It's specifically for sharing an opinion, a logic, or a plan. For a story, you'd just say 我跟你说... (Let me tell you...).
It's great for texting! It helps prevent your messages from sounding too 'cold' or demanding, which can happen easily in text.
You can add 其实 (actually) or 肯定 (definitely). For example: 其实我是这么想的... adds a layer of conviction to your thought.
Yes, it's standard Mandarin and understood everywhere. You might hear different accents, but the structure remains the same.
It's rare. Usually, you say the phrase first, then your idea. However, you can say 我就是这么想的 at the end to mean 'That's exactly what I was thinking!'
Forgetting the 的 at the end. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete. Always remember: 我是这么想的.
Related Phrases
我觉得...
I feel/think... (More casual and direct)
我的看法是...
My view is... (More formal/professional)
依我看...
As I see it... (Slightly literary/old-fashioned)
我个人认为...
I personally believe... (Very formal)
