Understanding "承诺" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 承诺
• Pinyin: chéngnuò
• Literal Meaning: “to undertake/accept” + “to promise”
• Primary Meaning: a promise, commitment, or pledge; to promise or commit to doing something

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  承诺 is used when someone makes a serious promise or commitment. It can be both a noun and a verb.

As a verb, 承诺 means “to promise” or “to commit.” It often implies that the speaker is taking responsibility for future action.

As a noun, 承诺 means “a promise” or “a commitment.”

Compared with more casual words like 答应, which means “to agree” or “to say yes,” 承诺 sounds more formal, serious, and responsible. It is commonly used in business, relationships, politics, law, and personal responsibility.

For example, a company may 承诺 to improve service, a person may 承诺 to keep a secret, or a government may make a 承诺 to protect the environment.

• Character Breakdown:
• 承: to undertake, to bear, to accept responsibility
• 诺: promise, agreement, consent

Together, 承诺 suggests “taking on a promise” or “accepting responsibility for what one has promised.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 他承诺会按时完成工作。
• Pinyin: Tā chéngnuò huì ànshí wánchéng gōngzuò.

• English: He promised that he would finish the work on time.

• Chinese: 请不要轻易做出承诺。

• Pinyin: Qǐng bú yào qīngyì zuòchū chéngnuò.

• English: Please do not make promises lightly.

• Chinese: 公司承诺提高产品质量。

• Pinyin: Gōngsī chéngnuò tígāo chǎnpǐn zhìliàng.
• English: The company promised to improve product quality.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese culture, keeping promises is closely connected with trustworthiness and personal integrity. A person who keeps their 承诺 is seen as reliable and responsible. In formal or professional situations, 承诺 can carry strong moral or even legal weight, so it is not a word used casually when the promise is serious.

A useful related idea is 信用, meaning “credit,” “trustworthiness,” or “reliability.” Someone who often keeps their 承诺 is considered 有信用, meaning “trustworthy” or “credible.”

Conclusion

承诺 means “promise” or “commitment,” and it often sounds serious and responsible. Remember that 承 suggests taking responsibility, while 诺 means promise. Together, 承诺 is not just saying “yes”; it means accepting responsibility for what you promise to do.