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B2 noun 10 min read

难以置信

nányǐzhìjīn
Examples Notes & Tips 难以置信 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 难以置信 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words like '不' (not) and '信' (believe). While '难以置信' is a bit advanced, you can think of it as a super-charged version of '我不信' (I don't believe it). At this stage, you don't need to use it in complex sentences. Just remember that when you see something very surprising, you can say '太难以置信了!' (Too unbelievable!). It is like saying 'Wow!' but with a Chinese flavor. Focus on the sound 'Nan Yi Zhi Xin' and associate it with a shocked face. Even as a beginner, using a four-character idiom correctly will make Chinese people very impressed with your progress! You might see it in simple picture books or hear it in cartoons when a character sees something magical. Just treat it as a single block of meaning that means 'Unbelievable!'
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At the A2 level, you are starting to build longer sentences and use more adjectives. You can begin to use '难以置信' to describe surprising news or events. For example, '这个消息难以置信' (This news is unbelievable). You are learning that Chinese often uses four-character phrases to express emotions. Instead of always saying '我非常吃惊' (I am very surprised), you can use '难以置信' to sound more natural. You should also start to notice how it is used with '的' to describe things, like '难以置信的故事' (an unbelievable story). At this level, focus on placing it at the end of a sentence to describe a situation. It’s a great way to express your feelings about things you learn in your Chinese lessons, like how many characters there are to memorize!
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At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with intermediate grammar. You can now use '难以置信' in more complex structures, such as using '令人' (makes one). For example, '他的表现令人难以置信' (His performance makes one find it hard to believe). You are also learning to distinguish between different types of surprise. You might start comparing '难以置信' with '奇怪' (strange). You'll realize that '难以置信' is much stronger. At this level, you should also practice using it as an adverb with '地', like '他难以置信地看着我' (He looked at me in disbelief). This adds a lot of color to your storytelling. You might encounter this word in news summaries or intermediate listening exercises. It's a key word for discussing opinions and reactions to current events.
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At the B2 level (your current level), '难以置信' should be a standard part of your vocabulary. You should understand its nuance perfectly—that it implies a cognitive struggle to accept a fact. You should be able to use it in formal writing, such as essays or reports, to describe exceptional data or shocking outcomes. You should also be aware of its synonyms like '不可思议' and know when to choose one over the other. At this level, you can use it to express skepticism in a polite way: '虽然这听起来难以置信，但确实是事实' (Although this sounds unbelievable, it is indeed the truth). You are expected to use it with correct particles and in various sentence positions (predicate, attribute, adverb) without hesitation. This word helps you move from basic communication to nuanced expression.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the literary and historical depth of Chinese idioms. You understand that '难以置信' is part of a larger family of '难' (difficult) idioms. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical or social issues where reality contradicts expectations. You might use it in a debate to highlight the absurdity of an opponent's argument or to describe the profound impact of a cultural shift. You are also sensitive to the 'register' of the word—knowing that while it is common, it still carries a touch of elegance. You might start to notice how it is used in classical-style modern prose or high-level political commentary. Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to explain the literal meaning of each character (难, 以, 置, 信) to others, showing a deep grasp of the language's structure.
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At the C2 level, you have near-native mastery. '难以置信' is a tool you use effortlessly to add rhetorical weight to your speech. You might use it ironically or with subtle shades of sarcasm, or in highly formal speeches to emphasize the magnitude of an achievement. You understand the historical evolution of the characters—how '置' evolved from 'placing an object' to 'placing belief.' You can appreciate the word's appearance in high-level literature, poetry, and academic journals. At this stage, you don't just 'know' the word; you feel its weight and resonance within the vast web of Chinese idioms. You can compare it to obscure literary synonyms and discuss why '难以置信' remains the most effective choice in modern contexts. You are a master of the idiom's rhythm and its ability to capture the essence of human wonder.
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Examples Notes & Tips

难以置信 in 30 Seconds

  • A versatile Chengyu meaning 'unbelievable' or 'incredible'.
  • Used to express shock, awe, or deep skepticism.
  • Commonly paired with '令人' (lìng rén) or '简直' (jiǎn zhí).
  • Essential for B2+ learners to describe surprising situations naturally.

The phrase 难以置信 (nán yǐ zhì xìn) is one of the most expressive and frequently used four-character idioms (Chengyu) in the Chinese language. At its core, it describes a state of profound shock or skepticism where a fact, event, or statement is so far beyond one's expectations that the mind struggles to accept it as true. While the English word 'unbelievable' can sometimes be used flippantly, 难以置信 often carries a weight of genuine astonishment. It is a sophisticated way to express that something is incredible, whether in a positive sense (like a miraculous recovery) or a negative sense (like a shocking betrayal).

Literal Breakdown
难 (nán): Hard or difficult. 以 (yǐ): A functional particle meaning 'to' or 'by means of'. 置 (zhì): To place or to put. 信 (xìn): Belief, trust, or faith. Together, it literally means 'difficult to place belief in'.

In daily life, you will hear this used when people encounter news that defies logic. For instance, if a student who usually fails exams suddenly scores 100%, their classmates might exclaim that it is 难以置信. It is not just about the impossibility of the event, but the cognitive dissonance experienced by the observer. It bridges the gap between reality and what was previously thought possible.

看到他赢了比赛，大家都觉得难以置信。(Seeing him win the race, everyone felt it was unbelievable.)

The beauty of this idiom lies in its versatility. It can be used as a predicate (Something is 难以置信), an adjective (A 难以置信 of story), or even an adverb (He 难以置信地 looked at me). This flexibility makes it a staple for B2-level learners who are moving beyond simple adjectives like '奇怪' (strange) or '好' (good) to more nuanced, descriptive language.

Culturally, Chinese speakers value modesty and logic, so when something breaks the 'common sense' (常识), 难以置信 is the go-to expression. It is more formal than '真的吗？' (Really?) and more emotional than '我不信' (I don't believe it). It suggests that even though the evidence is there, the heart is still catching up.

这项技术的进步速度快得令人难以置信。(The speed of this technology's progress is incredibly fast.)

Emotional Range
It spans from 'Shock' (negative news) to 'Awe' (positive achievements) to 'Suspicion' (doubting the truth).

By mastering this word, you move from being a student of basic vocabulary to a communicator who can express complex psychological states. It shows a command of the four-character structure which is the hallmark of fluent Chinese speech.

Using 难以置信 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement. Unlike some adjectives that require a complex set of particles, 难以置信 functions quite cleanly in several common structures. The most frequent way you will encounter it is as a predicate following a subject or a linking phrase.

Pattern 1: [Subject] + 令人 + 难以置信
This means 'Subject makes one find it hard to believe.' This is perhaps the most natural way to use the phrase in both spoken and written Chinese. For example: '他的成功令人难以置信' (His success is unbelievable).

In this structure, '令人' (lìng rén) acts as a bridge, literally 'makes people.' It elevates the sentence from a simple statement to a description of the effect the subject has on observers. It is highly recommended for formal writing and presentations.

在这个年纪就能写出这样的书，真是难以置信。(To be able to write such a book at this age is truly unbelievable.)

Pattern 2: 难以置信地 + [Verb]
Here, the idiom acts as an adverb. It describes the manner in which an action is performed—usually an action related to perception or reaction. For example: '他难以置信地看着我' (He looked at me in disbelief).

When used as an adverb, the particle '地' (de) is often required to link the idiom to the verb. This usage is common in literature and storytelling to convey a character's internal state through their external actions. It provides a vivid image of someone standing frozen or wide-eyed.

Pattern 3: 难以置信的 + [Noun]
Using it as an attributive adjective to modify a noun. Example: '这是一个难以置信的消息' (This is an unbelievable piece of news). This is straightforward and mirrors the English usage of 'incredible' as an adjective.

Wait for the right moment to use this. If you use it for every minor surprise, it loses its impact. Reserve it for the 'big' moments—the lottery wins, the sudden plot twists in movies, or the record-breaking sports moments. In business contexts, it can be used to describe exceptional growth or a surprisingly poor outcome, provided the tone remains professional.

他竟然在最后五秒进了球，简直难以置信。(He actually scored in the last five seconds; it's simply unbelievable.)

难以置信 is not a dusty idiom confined to textbooks; it is alive and well in modern Chinese media and conversation. To truly master it, you need to recognize the specific environments where it thrives. It is a 'high-frequency' Chengyu because shock is a universal human experience.

In News and Journalism
News anchors often use this word when reporting on natural disasters, scientific breakthroughs, or political scandals. It provides a professional yet descriptive way to frame a story that will shock the public. Headlines like '难以置信的奇迹' (An unbelievable miracle) are common in human-interest stories.

In the realm of science, when a new discovery challenges long-held beliefs, researchers might describe the findings as 难以置信. It suggests that the data is solid, but the implications are revolutionary. This makes it a great word for academic discussions about cutting-edge research.

这种新药的疗效快得让人难以置信。(The efficacy of this new drug is incredibly fast.)

In Sports Commentary
Sports are the natural home of the 'unbelievable.' When a player makes an impossible shot or a team comes back from a huge deficit, commentators will shout '这太难以置信了!' (This is too unbelievable!). It captures the high-energy, high-stakes nature of competitive athletics.

Similarly, in variety shows and reality TV, participants and judges use 难以置信 to react to talented performances. If you watch shows like 'China's Got Talent,' you will hear the judges use this phrase repeatedly to express their awe at the performers' skills. It’s a word that conveys respect along with surprise.

In Daily Gossip and Social Media
On platforms like Weibo or WeChat, users post videos or news snippets with the caption '简直难以置信' (Simply unbelievable). It serves as an emotional hook to get others to click and share in the shock. In casual conversation, it’s used when a friend tells you something wild, like 'I just saw a UFO' or 'I won the lottery.'

Finally, in literature, especially mystery or sci-fi novels, the word is used to build suspense. It marks the moment when the protagonist encounters the 'impossible' element of the plot. By listening for this word in these varied contexts, you'll start to feel the 'flavor' of the idiom—the way it tastes in the mouth of a native speaker.

While 难以置信 is a powerful tool, it is often misused by English speakers who try to map 'unbelievable' directly onto Chinese grammar. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid so you can sound like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Using it as a Transitive Verb
Incorrect: 我难以置信他。 (I unbelievable him.) In English, you can say 'I don't believe him,' but in Chinese, 难以置信 is an adjective/idiom, not a verb that takes an object. You must say: 我感到难以置信 (I feel unbelievable) or 他的话让我难以置信 (His words make me find it hard to believe).

This is the number one mistake for beginners. Remember that '信' is already inside the phrase. Adding another object after it creates a grammatical 'traffic jam' in the sentence.

Correct: 他的进步快到难以置信。 (His progress is fast to the point of being unbelievable.)

Mistake 2: Over-reliance on '很' (hěn)
Incorrect: 这件事很难以置信。 While not strictly 'wrong' in casual speech, it sounds redundant. The word '难以' (difficult to) already implies a high degree of intensity. Using '很' before it is like saying 'very hard to believe.' It’s better to use '简直' (simply) or '令人' (makes one) to add emphasis.

Instead of '很', try '简直' (jiǎn zhí). '这简直难以置信!' sounds much more natural and passionate. It emphasizes that the event has completely crossed the line of what you thought was possible.

Mistake 3: Wrong Context (Triviality)
In English, we might say 'This sandwich is unbelievable!' to mean it's tasty. In Chinese, using 难以置信 for a sandwich sounds strange unless the sandwich is literally flying or made of gold. Use '非常棒' (excellent) or '太好了' (great) for simple pleasures. Reserve 难以置信 for things that truly defy belief.

Finally, ensure your tone matches the idiom. Since it is a 'Chengyu,' it carries a bit of formal weight. Using it in a very casual, slang-heavy sentence might create a stylistic clash. Aim for a balanced, clear tone when employing this phrase.

To truly reach the B2/C1 level, you must be able to choose the right 'flavor' of disbelief. Chinese has several idioms and phrases that mean 'unbelievable,' but each has a distinct nuance. Let's compare 难以置信 with its closest relatives.

1. 不可思议 (bù kě sī yì)
Meaning: Inconceivable; beyond imagination.
Nuance: This originally comes from Buddhist texts to describe things beyond human comprehension. It is often used for things that are mysterious, magical, or logically impossible (like a magic trick or a strange coincidence). Difference: While 难以置信 focuses on the *difficulty of believing*, 不可思议 focuses on the *impossibility of even thinking* about it.

If you see a ghost, use 不可思议. If you see a friend win the lottery, use 难以置信.

2. 无法想象 (wú fǎ xiǎng xiàng)
Meaning: Beyond imagination.
Nuance: This is more literal. It means you lack the mental capacity to even form a picture of the event. It’s often used for scale (e.g., 'The size of the universe is 无法想象'). Difference: 难以置信 is an emotional reaction; 无法想象 is a cognitive limit.

Comparison: 这里的风景美得难以置信 (The scenery is unbelievably beautiful - emotional). 这里的变化快得无法想象 (The change is faster than one can imagine - descriptive).

3. 出人意料 (chū rén yì liào)
Meaning: To everyone's surprise; unexpected.
Nuance: This is much more neutral. It just means something happened that wasn't planned. It doesn't necessarily carry the 'shock' of 难以置信. Difference: 难以置信 implies you are struggling to accept it; 出人意料 just means you didn't see it coming.

Choosing the right word depends on how much 'shock' you want to convey. If you want to sound sophisticated, rotating between these synonyms will prevent your Chinese from sounding repetitive. In academic writing, 难以置信 is often replaced by more formal terms like '极具冲击力' (highly impactful) or '显著' (significant), but for expressing human emotion, nothing beats the classic 难以置信.

Fun Fact

The character '置' (zhì) originally depicted a net being used to catch or place something. In this idiom, you are figuratively 'placing' your belief into a container of truth.

Pronunciation Guide

UK nán yǐ zhì xìn
US nán yǐ zhì xìn
The primary stress is often placed on the 'Nan' (to emphasize the difficulty) or 'Xin' (to emphasize the belief).
Rhymes With
Xin (信) rhymes with Jin (进 - to enter) Xin (信) rhymes with Qin (亲 - relative) Xin (信) rhymes with Min (民 - people) Xin (信) rhymes with Lin (林 - forest) Xin (信) rhymes with Pin (品 - product) Xin (信) rhymes with Yin (音 - sound) Xin (信) rhymes with Jin (金 - gold) Xin (信) rhymes with Xin (新 - new)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'Zhi' like 'Zi' (missing the 'h' sound).
  • Using the wrong tone for 'Nan' (should be 2nd tone, not 4th).
  • Mixing up the tones for 'Zhi' and 'Xin' (both are 4th tone).
  • Failing to use the 3rd tone properly for 'Yi'.
  • Blending the four characters too quickly without clear tone distinction.
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Examples by Level

1

这太难以置信了！

This is too unbelievable!

Use '太...了' for emphasis.

2

难以置信的消息。

Unbelievable news.

Used as an adjective before a noun.

3

他赢了？难以置信！

He won? Unbelievable!

Can be used as a stand-alone exclamation.

4

我不信，这难以置信。

I don't believe it, this is unbelievable.

Used as a predicate.

5

难以置信的好天气。

Unbelievably good weather.

Modifying an adjective-noun phrase.

6

那个菜，难以置信！

That dish, unbelievable!

Informal spoken usage.

7

他的猫会说话？难以置信！

His cat can talk? Unbelievable!

Expressing shock at an impossible event.

8

真是难以置信。

It truly is unbelievable.

Using '真是' to add 'truly'.

1

看到他在这里，我感到难以置信。

Seeing him here, I feel unbelievable.

Using '感到' (to feel) with the idiom.

2

这个故事听起来难以置信。

This story sounds unbelievable.

Using '听起来' (sounds like).

3

他竟然跑得这么快，难以置信。

He actually runs so fast, unbelievable.

Using '竟然' (unexpectedly) to set up the shock.

4

难以置信，他竟然忘记了我的生日。

Unbelievable, he actually forgot my birthday.

Used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

5

这件衣服的价格难以置信。

The price of this clothing is unbelievable.

Describing a specific attribute (price).

6

他的汉语进步得难以置信。

His Chinese has improved unbelievably.

Using the 'V + 得 + Idiom' structure.

7

这种小动物的力量难以置信。

The strength of this small animal is unbelievable.

Formal subject-predicate structure.

8

昨天发生的事真是难以置信。

What happened yesterday was truly unbelievable.

Referring to past events.

1

这个实验的结果令人难以置信。

The result of this experiment is unbelievable.

Using the '令人' (makes one) causative structure.

2

他难以置信地盯着那张中奖彩票。

He stared at that winning lottery ticket in disbelief.

Using '地' to form an adverbial phrase.

3

难以置信的是，他竟然在这么短的时间内完成了任务。

What's unbelievable is that he actually finished the task in such a short time.

Using '难以置信的是' as a noun-like subject clause.

4

由于难以置信的运气，他逃过了那一劫。

Due to unbelievable luck, he escaped that disaster.

Using it as an adjective modifying '运气'.

5

在那样的环境下生存，简直难以置信。

To survive in such an environment is simply unbelievable.

Using '简直' (simply) for strong emphasis.

6

尽管事实就在眼前，他依然觉得难以置信。

Despite the facts being right before him, he still found it hard to believe.

Using '尽管...依然' (despite... still) contrast.

7

这个古老建筑的完整程度令人难以置信。

The degree of preservation of this ancient building is unbelievable.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

8

他用一种难以置信的语气跟我说话。

He spoke to me in an unbelievable tone.

Modifying '语气' (tone).

1

这种新技术的普及速度快到令人难以置信的地步。

The speed of this new technology's popularization is fast to an unbelievable extent.

Using '到...的地步' (to the point of).

2

面对这难以置信的指控，他选择了保持沉默。

Faced with this unbelievable accusation, he chose to remain silent.

Using it as an attributive for a formal noun '指控'.

3

他的成功并非偶然，尽管过程看起来难以置信。

His success was not accidental, although the process looks unbelievable.

Concessive clause usage.

4

难以置信，在高度文明的今天，竟然还会发生这种事。

It's unbelievable that in today's highly civilized society, such a thing could still happen.

Used for social commentary/critique.

5

他难以置信地摇了摇头，试图让自己清醒一点。

He shook his head in disbelief, trying to wake himself up.

Describing physical reaction to shock.

6

这家公司的利润增长率简直令人难以置信。

The profit growth rate of this company is simply unbelievable.

Business context usage.

7

他竟然能从那场事故中奇迹般生还，真是难以置信。

It's truly unbelievable that he could miraculously survive that accident.

Combining with '奇迹般' (miraculously).

8

这种药的副作用小得令人难以置信。

The side effects of this medicine are unbelievably small.

Describing a degree of comparison.

1

这种现象在生物学界被认为是非常难以置信的。

This phenomenon is considered very unbelievable in the biological community.

Passive voice '被认为' (be considered).

2

他以一种近乎难以置信的毅力完成了长跑。

He completed the long-distance run with a near-unbelievable perseverance.

Using '近乎' (near/almost) to qualify the idiom.

3

在那个动荡的年代，他能保全性命已是难以置信。

In that turbulent era, being able to save his life was already unbelievable.

Historical/literary context.

4

这种说辞漏洞百出，简直到了难以置信的程度。

This rhetoric is full of loopholes, simply to an unbelievable degree.

Using '漏洞百出' (full of holes) to describe an argument.

5

难以置信的巧合往往是命运的安排。

Unbelievable coincidences are often the arrangement of fate.

Philosophical subject usage.

6

他难以置信地发现，自己竟然回到了过去。

He discovered in disbelief that he had actually returned to the past.

Narrative structure in fiction.

7

尽管实验数据确凿，但结论依然令人难以置信。

Although the experimental data is solid, the conclusion is still unbelievable.

Academic contrast.

8

他的这种自我牺牲精神，在当今社会确实难以置信。

His spirit of self-sacrifice is indeed unbelievable in today's society.

Moral/ethical commentary.

1

这种艺术风格之诡谲，到了令人难以置信的地步。

The eeriness of this artistic style has reached an unbelievable level.

Using '之' for formal possession/description.

2

在史料匮乏的情况下，他能复原那段历史简直难以置信。

In the absence of historical records, it's unbelievable that he could reconstruct that history.

High-level academic context.

3

难以置信的是人类对未知的恐惧竟能演变成如此巨大的力量。

What is unbelievable is that human fear of the unknown can evolve into such a massive force.

Abstract philosophical statement.

4

他那种近乎病态的执着，令人感到难以置信。

His almost morbid persistence makes one feel unbelievable.

Psychological description.

5

在众目睽睽之下，他竟然消失了，这太难以置信了。

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he actually disappeared; this is too unbelievable.

Using '众目睽睽' (under everyone's gaze).

6

这个理论虽然初听难以置信，但却能完美解释所有观测数据。

Although this theory sounds unbelievable at first, it can perfectly explain all observation data.

Scientific argumentation.

7

他难以置信地审视着镜中的自己，仿佛在看一个陌生人。

He scrutinized himself in the mirror in disbelief, as if looking at a stranger.

Deep literary character study.

8

这种跨越时空的联系，若非亲身经历，确实难以置信。

This connection across time and space would indeed be unbelievable if not experienced personally.

Using '若非' (if not for).

Common Collocations

令人难以置信
简直难以置信
难以置信的消息
难以置信的成功
感到难以置信
难以置信地看着
虽然难以置信
难以置信的奇迹
某种难以置信的力量
难以置信的程度

Common Phrases

难以置信的进步

— Progress that is so fast it's hard to believe.

你的汉语有了难以置信的进步。

简直难以置信

— Used as an exclamation of total shock.

你竟然赢了？简直难以置信！

听起来难以置信

— Used when a story or explanation sounds fake or too wild.

你的借口听起来难以置信。

令人难以置信的发现

— A discovery that changes everything.

科学家们有了一个令人难以置信的发现。

难以置信的运气

— Extremely good (or bad) luck.

他能活下来真是靠了难以置信的运气。

难以置信的速度

— Incredible speed.

他以难以置信的速度跑完了全程。

难以置信的勇气

— Incredible bravery.

他表现出了难以置信的勇气。

难以置信的耐心

— Incredible patience.

老师对学生有难以置信的耐心。

难以置信的价格

— A price that is too high or too low.

这辆车的价格难以置信。

难以置信的真相

— The shocking truth.

他终于揭开了难以置信的真相。

Idioms & Expressions

"不可思议"

— Beyond thought or imagination; mysterious.

这件事情真是不可思议。

Common
"大吃一惊"

— To be greatly startled.

听到这个消息，他大吃一惊。

Common
"瞠目结舌"

— Staring with mouth agape; stunned.

他的表演让观众瞠目结舌。

Literary
"出人意料"

— Exceeding expectations; surprising.

结果出人意料，他输了。

Common
"匪夷所思"

— Bizarre; not something a normal person would think of.

他的行为简直匪夷所思。

Formal
"石破天惊"

— Earth-shattering; remarkably original or shocking.

他的发现可谓石破天惊。

Literary
"惊世骇俗"

— Shocking to the world and common customs.

他的艺术观点惊世骇俗。

Formal
"无与伦比"

— Incomparable; matchless.

他的成就无与伦比。

Formal
"天方夜谭"

— Like the Arabian Nights; a tall tale; unbelievable.

这简直是天方夜谭。

Informal
"闻所未闻"

— Unheard of.

这种奇怪的事真是闻所未闻。

Common

Word Family

Nouns

信念 (xìn niàn) - belief/faith
信心 (xìn xīn) - confidence
信用 (xìn yòng) - credit/trustworthiness

Verbs

相信 (xiāng xìn) - to believe
信任 (xìn rèn) - to trust
安置 (ān zhì) - to settle/place

Adjectives

可靠的 (kě kào de) - reliable
困难的 (kùn nán de) - difficult

Related

不可信
疑虑
惊奇
奇迹
事实
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Nan' (Nan-cy) 'Yi' (Eating) 'Zhi' (Zucchini) 'Xin' (Sins). Nancy eating zucchini sins is so unbelievable!

Visual Association

Imagine someone trying to put a giant 'Belief' block into a tiny 'Truth' box, but it won't fit because the story is too big.

Word Web

Shock Unbelievable Difficult Belief Surprise Miracle Doubt Truth

Challenge

Try to find three news headlines today that you think are 难以置信 and write them in Chinese.

Word Origin

The phrase is a modern construction using classical Chinese grammar. '难' (difficult) and '以' (to/by) form a compound meaning 'hard to.' '置信' is a classical term meaning 'to place belief' or 'to trust.'

Original meaning: Hard to place belief in; skepticism.

Sino-Tibetan / Sinitic

Cultural Context

It is a neutral term and can be used in almost any context without causing offense.

Translates perfectly to 'Unbelievable' or 'Hard to believe.'

Used in many Chinese movie titles about miracles. Common in CCTV news broadcasts. Frequent in lyrics of Mandopop songs about love and shock.
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