言而有信
言而有信 (yán ér yǒu xìn) literally means “words with trustworthiness” and expresses “to be true to one's word”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: yan er you xin, yan er you xin,言而有信 meaning, 言而有信 in english
To be true to one's word
Pronunciation: yán ér yǒu xìn Literal meaning: Words with trustworthiness
Origin & Usage
This idiom comes from 'The Analects of Confucius' (论语), where the sage emphasized that a person's words (言) must be accompanied by trustworthiness (信). In Confucian ethics, keeping one's word was considered a fundamental virtue essential for social harmony. The phrase encapsulates the idea that promises should be honored and speech should be reliable. It remains a core value in Chinese business and personal relationships, where verbal commitments carry significant moral weight.
Examples
English: "A leader must always keep their promises to maintain credibility."
Chinese: 一个领导者必须言而有信，才能保持信誉。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 言而有信 mean in English?
言而有信 (yán ér yǒu xìn) literally translates to “Words with trustworthiness” and is used to express “To be true to one's word”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 言而有信 used?
Situation: A leader must always keep their promises to maintain credibility.
What is the pinyin for 言而有信?
The pinyin pronunciation for 言而有信 is “yán ér yǒu xìn”.