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未必如此容易
wèi bì rú cǐ róng yì
not necessarily that easy
这个任务未必如此容易完成。
This task is not necessarily that easy to complete.
formal
used to express doubt that something is as simple or straightforward as it appears
看起来很简单，但未必如此容易。
It looks simple, but it's not necessarily that easy.
这道题目未必如此容易解决。
This problem is not necessarily that easy to solve.
Often used in contrast to an implied or stated expectation of simplicity.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contextual Usage
Use '未必如此容易' when you want to politely express doubt about someone's assumption that something is easy. It is less direct than saying '这很难' (this is difficult) and sounds more nuanced.
Gold Rule
Softening Criticism
This phrase is useful for softening criticism or skepticism. Instead of saying '这不可能' (this is impossible), you can say '未必如此容易' (it's not necessarily that easy), which is more diplomatic.
Word Origin
The phrase combines '未必' (wèi bì, 'not necessarily') with '如此容易' ('so easy'). '未必' is a classical Chinese adverbial phrase meaning 'not necessarily,' while '如此容易' is a modern construction meaning 'so easy.' The phrase emerged in modern Chinese as a direct expression of skepticism toward apparent simplicity.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in spoken or written Chinese to gently correct an overly optimistic assumption about the ease of a task or situation. It implies that while something may seem easy, there are likely hidden complexities.
Word Breakdown
未必
not necessarily
adverb如此
so, in this way
adverb容易
easy
adjective汉英词典