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yī 一 yán 言 wéi 为 dìng 定

一言为定 yī yán wéi dìng

it's a deal; that's settled then

Literally: one word becomes settled

Beginner 💬 Speech & communication
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Origin

Descriptive; no single source story. Attested in Yuan dynasty drama as a formula for sealing an agreement.

How to use it

Standalone, closing an agreement; positive. Often 好,一言为定!

Example sentences

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  1. A：周六我们一起去爬山吧。B：好，一言为定！
    A: Zhōuliù wǒmen yīqǐ qù páshān ba. B: Hǎo, yī yán wéi dìng!
    A: Let's go hiking together on Saturday. B: OK, it's a deal!
    A: Saturday we together go climb-mountain (particle). B: good, one word becomes settled!
  2. 一言为定，明天八点在车站见。
    Yī yán wéi dìng, míngtiān bā diǎn zài chēzhàn jiàn.
    That's settled then; see you at the station at eight tomorrow.
    one word becomes settled, tomorrow eight o'clock at station meet

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