一言既出
一言既出 (yī yán jì chū) literally means “once a word is spoken” and expresses “a promise once made must be kept”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: yi yan ji chu, yi yan ji chu,一言既出 meaning, 一言既出 in english
A promise once made must be kept
Pronunciation: yī yán jì chū Literal meaning: Once a word is spoken
Origin & Usage
Once (既) a word (一言) is out (出). The line is almost never left standing alone: 一言既出，驷马难追, once said, a team of four horses cannot catch it. The image is of speech travelling faster than the fastest thing available to chase it, so what the saying actually regulates is the moment before, not the moment after. Said after agreeing to something it closes the matter; said to somebody about to speak, it warns them they will own what follows.
Examples
English: "He kept his promise because he believed a man's word is his bond."
Chinese: 他信守承诺，因为他相信一言既出，驷马难追。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
众所周知
zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī
As everyone knows or is widely recognized
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一如既往
yī rú jì wǎng
As always; unchanged
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层出不穷
céng chū bù qióng
Continuously emerging in endless succession
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别出心裁
bié chū xīn cái
Showing originality; unconventional
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表里如一
biǎo lǐ rú yī
Be consistent inside and out
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大公无私
dà gōng wú sī
Completely impartial without self-interest
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讳莫如深
huì mò rú shēn
Maintain absolute silence about sensitive matter
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滔滔不绝
tāo tāo bù jué
Talk endlessly; speak at great length
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一言既出 mean in English?
一言既出 (yī yán jì chū) literally translates to “Once a word is spoken” and is used to express “A promise once made must be kept”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 一言既出 used?
Situation: He kept his promise because he believed a man's word is his bond.
What is the pinyin for 一言既出?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一言既出 is “yī yán jì chū”.