一诺千金
一诺千金 (yī nuò qiān jīn) literally means “one promise thousand gold” and expresses “keep promises faithfully”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Keep promises faithfully
Pronunciation: yī nuò qiān jīn
Literal meaning: One promise thousand gold
Origin & Usage
Emerging from the Spring and Autumn period, this idiom equates one (一) promise (诺) with a thousand in gold (千金). It gained prominence through the story of Ji Zha, who honored a posthumous promise despite great personal cost. The concept became central to merchant culture during the Tang Dynasty, where reputation often carried more value than material wealth. It emphasizes how trustworthiness creates lasting value beyond immediate gains. Modern applications stress the importance of integrity in business relationships and personal commitments, suggesting that reliability builds more sustainable success than short-term profit.
Examples
English: "Despite better offers, she honored her original commitment to the client"
Chinese: 尽管有更好的机会，她仍然信守对客户的承诺
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一诺千金 mean in English?
一诺千金 (yī nuò qiān jīn) literally translates to “One promise thousand gold” and is used to express “Keep promises faithfully”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 一诺千金 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving keep promises faithfully.
What is the pinyin for 一诺千金?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一诺千金 is “yī nuò qiān jīn”.