B2 Expression Formal 3 min de lectura

普遍认为

Generally believed

Literalmente: 普遍 (Universal/Widespread) 认为 (Think/Believe)

Use this phrase to introduce a consensus and sound objective, professional, and culturally aware of collective opinions.

En 15 segundos

  • Used to state a widely accepted opinion or consensus.
  • Common in news, essays, and professional business meetings.
  • Helps you sound objective rather than just sharing personal views.

Significado

This phrase is used to describe a consensus or a widely held opinion. It is like saying 'everyone knows' or 'it is common knowledge' when you want to sound objective and balanced.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 7
1

Discussing local food habits

普遍认为,四川人非常喜欢吃辣。

It is generally believed that Sichuan people love spicy food.

😊
2

Planning a trip with friends

普遍认为,秋天是去北京旅游最好的季节。

It is generally believed that autumn is the best season to visit Beijing.

🤝
3

In a formal business meeting

普遍认为,人工智能将改变未来的就业市场。

It is generally believed that AI will change the future job market.

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on collective wisdom and social consensus. In a society where 'saving face' and group harmony are prioritized, stating an opinion as a 'general belief' is a polite way to avoid appearing overly assertive or individualistic. It has been a staple in formal writing and news reporting for decades.

💡

Sound Like an Expert

Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've done your research, even if you're just sharing a common rumor.

⚠️

Not for 'I' Opinions

Never use this for purely personal tastes like 'I think this shirt is ugly.' It only works for group opinions.

En 15 segundos

  • Used to state a widely accepted opinion or consensus.
  • Common in news, essays, and professional business meetings.
  • Helps you sound objective rather than just sharing personal views.

What It Means

Imagine you are at a busy dinner party. Everyone is nodding about one specific topic. That feeling of agreement is 普遍认为. It means "it is widely believed" by most people. It is the general consensus of the public. It is not just one person's random thought. It represents what the majority thinks is true. Think of it as the "common knowledge" stamp.

How To Use It

You usually place this phrase at the start. It acts like a big sign for your sentence. Use it to introduce a well-known fact. Or use it to share a popular opinion. Just say 普遍认为 and then add your statement. For example, "It is generally believed that tea is good." It makes your statement feel very solid. It shows you are talking about a shared truth. It is like having a crowd backing you up. Your listeners will immediately understand the context.

When To Use It

This phrase is perfect for business meetings. It helps you sound objective and professional. Use it when discussing market trends or data. It is also great for school or university essays. It shows you have researched the topic well. You can even use it in casual chats. Discuss the best movies or the best food. "It is generally believed that this pizza is great." It settles debates without starting a fight.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for your private secrets. If only you think so, do not use it. It is not for "I think I am funny." That would sound very strange to a local. Avoid it during very emotional heart-to-heart talks. It feels a bit too official for those moments. Don't use it for things that are proven facts. Like "It is generally believed that 1+1 is 2." That is just a fact, not an opinion.

Cultural Background

In China, the group opinion is very important. There is a big focus on social harmony. Using 普遍认为 shows you respect the collective. It avoids looking too stubborn or loud. It is a polite way to state a truth. It suggests you value what others think. This reflects the deep roots of Confucian values. Harmony often comes before individual pride. Using this phrase helps you fit in better.

Common Variations

You might hear people say 大家公认. This means "universally recognized" by everyone. It is even stronger than our main phrase. In casual talks, try 大家都觉得. This simply means "everyone feels" or "everyone thinks." If you want to be fancy, use 广为流传. This means "widely circulated," usually for stories or legends. Each variation has its own special flavor. Pick the one that fits your current mood.

Notas de uso

This is a formal-to-neutral expression. It is highly effective in professional writing and debates but might feel slightly 'stiff' in very intimate, emotional conversations.

💡

Sound Like an Expert

Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've done your research, even if you're just sharing a common rumor.

⚠️

Not for 'I' Opinions

Never use this for purely personal tastes like 'I think this shirt is ugly.' It only works for group opinions.

💬

The Power of the Group

In China, citing a 'general belief' can be more persuasive than a personal opinion because it appeals to the wisdom of the collective.

Ejemplos

7
#1 Discussing local food habits
😊

普遍认为,四川人非常喜欢吃辣。

It is generally believed that Sichuan people love spicy food.

A classic use for a cultural stereotype or common fact.

#2 Planning a trip with friends
🤝

普遍认为,秋天是去北京旅游最好的季节。

It is generally believed that autumn is the best season to visit Beijing.

Used to suggest a travel plan based on common knowledge.

#3 In a formal business meeting
💼

普遍认为,人工智能将改变未来的就业市场。

It is generally believed that AI will change the future job market.

Adds authority and objectivity to a professional prediction.

#4 Texting a friend about a popular movie
😊

普遍认为,这部电影的结局有点失望。

It is generally believed that the ending of this movie is a bit disappointing.

Summarizing the internet's opinion on a trending topic.

#5 A humorous observation about office life
😄

普遍认为,周一早上的咖啡是救命的。

It is generally believed that Monday morning coffee is a lifesaver.

Using a formal phrase for a relatable, funny exaggeration.

#6 Discussing family values
💭

普遍认为,家人的支持是成功的关键。

It is generally believed that family support is the key to success.

Expressing a deep, shared cultural value.

#7 Discussing health habits

普遍认为,早睡早起对身体有好处。

It is generally believed that sleeping early and waking early is good for health.

Stating a common health consensus.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a common opinion.

___,多喝热水对感冒有好处。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 普遍认为

The sentence describes a very common Chinese belief about drinking hot water, making '普遍认为' the most natural fit.

Complete the professional statement.

在经济学界,___市场正在回暖。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 普遍认为

In an academic or professional context like economics, '普遍认为' provides the necessary formality.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Spectrum of 'Belief' Phrases

Informal

Used with close friends.

大家都说 (Everyone says)

Neutral

Common for general topics.

大家觉得 (Everyone feels)

Formal

Professional or written use.

普遍认为 (Generally believed)

Very Formal

Official or academic use.

众所周知 (As everyone knows)

When to use '普遍认为'

普遍认为
📊

Business Report

Predicting market trends.

📰

News Article

Reporting social consensus.

🍜

Debating Food

Deciding the best restaurant.

🎓

University Essay

Citing a common theory.

📱

Group Chat

Discussing a viral movie.

Preguntas frecuentes

12 preguntas

普遍 (pǔbiàn) means universal, widespread, or common. It describes something that exists everywhere or is shared by many.

Yes, you can! It sounds a bit more serious than 大家觉得, but it’s great for discussing trends or news with friends.

Not exactly. 众所周知 means 'as everyone knows' and implies a proven fact. 普遍认为 is more about a shared opinion or belief.

You can say 并不普遍认为 or 大家并不认为. However, it's more common to just state the opposite opinion directly.

Usually, no. 普遍认为 refers to a larger group, like a society or a profession. For a family, use 我们家都觉得.

No, this is a modern Mandarin expression. Ancient Chinese would use shorter, more classical terms like 人谓 (people say).

认为 is more formal and implies a reasoned conclusion. 觉得 is more casual and based on feelings or immediate impressions.

No, it almost always comes at the beginning of the clause to introduce the belief that follows.

Yes, it is very common in academic writing to describe a consensus in a particular field of study.

Not necessarily. It just means many people *think* it is true. It leaves a little room for doubt or future change.

A common mistake is saying 我普遍认为. You can't use 'I' with 'universal.' Just say 普遍认为 or 我认为.

You can ask, 大家普遍认为...吗? For example: 大家普遍认为这个计划可行吗? (Is it generally believed this plan is feasible?)

Frases relacionadas

众所周知

As everyone knows (well-known fact)

公认

Universally recognized / Accepted by all

广为流传

Widely circulated (stories or rumors)

大势所趋

The general trend of events

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