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to be unable to accept or comprehend something due to shock or disbelief
听到这个消息，他不敢相信自己的耳朵。
Upon hearing the news, he couldn't believe his ears.
这部电影太精彩了，我简直不敢相信自己的眼睛。
This movie is so amazing; I can't believe my eyes.
Often used to express extreme surprise or skepticism in everyday conversation.
Use '不敢相信' when expressing personal shock or disbelief. It is more emotional than '不相信' and often implies a sense of betrayal or disappointment. For example, '我简直不敢相信他会这样对你' (I simply cannot believe he would treat you this way).
The phrase typically follows the structure 'Subject + 不敢相信 + Object/Clausal complement'. It can be intensified with '简直' (simply) or '真' (really) to emphasize the disbelief. Avoid using it for mild skepticism; reserve it for situations of genuine shock.
The phrase combines '不敢' (dare not) and '相信' (believe), forming a negative expression of disbelief. '不敢' implies reluctance or inability to accept something, while '相信' denotes belief. The structure reflects a psychological state of shock or denial.
This phrase is commonly used in spoken Chinese to express strong disbelief or surprise. It is more emotional than '不相信' (do not believe) and often conveys personal shock or disappointment. The phrase can stand alone or be followed by a clause explaining the disbelief.