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yán 言 ér 而 yǒu 有 xìn 信

言而有信 yán ér yǒu xìn

to keep one's word; true to one's promises

Literally: speak and have trust

Intermediate 💬 Speech & communication
🃏 Practise intermediate chengyu

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Origin

From the Analects: in dealing with friends, one's words should carry trust.

How to use it

Predicate or attributive; positive. Often 做人要言而有信.

Example sentences

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  1. 做生意最重要的是言而有信。
    Zuò shēngyi zuì zhòngyào de shì yán ér yǒu xìn.
    The most important thing in business is keeping your word.
    do business most important (particle) is speak and have trust
  2. 他言而有信，答应的事一定会做到。
    Tā yán ér yǒu xìn, dāying de shì yīdìng huì zuòdào.
    He keeps his promises; whatever he agrees to, he does.
    he speak and have trust, promise (particle) matter certainly will accomplish

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