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不见得
bù jiàn de
not necessarily
这件事不见得会成功。
This thing is not necessarily going to succeed.
informal
Used to express doubt or uncertainty about something, often implying that the outcome is not guaranteed or that the speaker has reservations.
他不见得会来。
He might not come.
这个方案不见得有效。
This plan may not be effective.
Often used to soften a negative statement or to express skepticism.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Softening Negative Statements
Use 不见得 to express doubt or uncertainty in a polite way, especially when you want to avoid sounding too direct or negative.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 不见得 can vary slightly depending on the context, but it generally conveys a sense of uncertainty or doubt.
Word Origin
Composed of 不 (not) + 见得 (to appear or seem), literally meaning 'not appearing' or 'not seeming,' which conveys a sense of uncertainty.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations to express doubt or to downplay certainty. It is often used to soften a negative statement or to indicate that something is not guaranteed.
Word Breakdown
不
not
prefix见得
to appear or seem
verb phrase汉英词典