====== dāying: 答应 - To Agree, Promise, Answer ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** dāying, 答应, how to say agree in Chinese, promise in Chinese, answer in Chinese, Chinese verb for promise, dāying vs tóngyì, Chinese verbs, HSK 3 vocabulary, learn Mandarin.
  * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese verb **答应 (dāying)**, a versatile word used to say you "agree" to a request, "promise" to do something, or "answer" someone's call. This guide breaks down its core meaning, cultural weight, and practical usage, helping you understand how it's different from "同意 (tóngyì)" and "承诺 (chéngnuò)". Mastering **答应 (dāying)** is key for everyday conversations and building relationships in China.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** dāying (dā ying)
  * **Part of Speech:** Verb
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 3
  * **Concise Definition:** To agree to a request, promise to do something, or respond to someone calling your name.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **答应 (dāying)** is all about giving a positive response to another person's direct prompt. If someone asks you for a favor ("Can you help me?"), and you say yes, you **答应** them. If someone makes a proposal that requires your action, and you accept, you **答应** them. It's an active word of personal commitment, carrying more weight than a simple "okay."
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **答 (dā):** This character means "to answer" or "to reply." Interestingly, its pronunciation changes from the more common `dá` to `dā` in this specific word. It's composed of the "bamboo" radical (竹) on top and "to fit/join" (合) on the bottom, originally depicting the act of writing a reply on bamboo slips that "fits" the question.
  * **应 (ying):** This character means "to respond" or "to consent." The pronunciation here is a light, neutral tone.
  * Together, **答应 (dāying)** literally means to "answer and respond/consent." This combination perfectly captures the meaning of actively agreeing to a request made by another person.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In Chinese culture, words are actions, and **答应 (dāying)** is a prime example of a verbal handshake. It's not just a casual "sure, why not?"—it implies a personal commitment and establishes a social expectation.
A key difference from Western culture is the social weight attached. In English, one might say "I'll try my best" to soften a commitment. In Chinese, once you **答应**, you have given your word. Failing to follow through is not just letting someone down; it can cause a loss of [[面子]] (miànzi - "face" or social credibility) for both you and the person who trusted you. This is deeply connected to the concept of [[人情]] (rénqíng), the web of social obligations and favors. When you **答应** a favor, you are participating in this system of mutual support, and you are expected to hold up your end of the bargain.
Therefore, Chinese speakers may be more hesitant to **答应** a request if they are not confident they can fulfill it, as the social cost of breaking that promise is significantly higher than in many individualistic Western cultures.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**答应 (dāying)** is a high-frequency word used in various situations, from casual chats to more serious conversations.
  * **Agreeing to a Request:** This is the most common usage. It's the go-to word when someone asks you to perform an action.
    * //"Can you pick up a package for me?" "Sure, I agree/promise."//
    * “你能帮我取个快递吗？” “好的，我**答应**你。”
  * **Making a Promise:** While not as formal as [[承诺]] (chéngnuò), **答应** is frequently used for making personal promises to friends and family. It signals a sincere intention.
    * //"I promise you, I'll call you as soon as I arrive."//
    * “我**答应**你，一到就给你打电话。”
  * **Answering a Call (Verbal or Physical):** This usage refers to the action of responding when someone calls out your name.
    * //"I called you several times, why didn't you answer?"//
    * “我叫了你好几声，你怎么不**答应**？”
Its formality is generally neutral. It's perfect for daily life, school, and the workplace. In highly formal or legal contexts, [[承诺]] (chéngnuò) or [[保证]] (bǎozhèng) might be preferred for "promise" and "guarantee."
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 他想请我吃饭，我还没**答应**他。
    * Pinyin: Tā xiǎng qǐng wǒ chīfàn, wǒ hái méi **dāying** tā.
    * English: He wants to treat me to a meal, but I haven't agreed yet.
    * Analysis: This shows the negative form, `还没答应` (hái méi dāying), meaning "haven't agreed yet." It implies a pending decision on a request.
  * **Example 2:**
    * 你**答应**过我，要带我去公园的！
    * Pinyin: Nǐ **dāying** guò wǒ, yào dài wǒ qù gōngyuán de!
    * English: You promised me you would take me to the park!
    * Analysis: The particle `过 (guò)` indicates a past action. Here, it emphasizes that a promise was made in the past and is now being recalled, often with a slight tone of complaint or reminder.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 妈妈叫你呢，你快**答应**一声啊！
    * Pinyin: Māma jiào nǐ ne, nǐ kuài **dāying** yī shēng a!
    * English: Mom is calling you, quickly answer her!
    * Analysis: This demonstrates the usage of `答应` for "answering a call." `一声 (yī shēng)` literally means "one sound," signifying a verbal response like "Hey!" or "Coming!"
  * **Example 4:**
    * 只要你**答应**这个条件，我们就签合同。
    * Pinyin: Zhǐyào nǐ **dāying** zhège tiáojiàn, wǒmen jiù qiān hétong.
    * English: As long as you agree to this condition, we will sign the contract.
    * Analysis: Here, `答应` is used in a more formal, conditional context common in negotiations. It means to accept terms or conditions.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 他很爽快地**答应**了我的请求。
    * Pinyin: Tā hěn shuǎngkuài de **dāying** le wǒ de qǐngqiú.
    * English: He readily agreed to my request.
    * Analysis: `爽快地 (shuǎngkuài de)` is an adverb meaning "readily" or "frankly," often used with `答应` to describe someone who agrees without hesitation.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 我不能**答应**你这件事，因为它太危险了。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ bù néng **dāying** nǐ zhè jiàn shì, yīnwèi tā tài wēixiǎn le.
    * English: I can't promise you this, because it's too dangerous.
    * Analysis: This is a clear way to refuse a request. `不能答应` (bù néng dāying) means "cannot agree/promise," often followed by a reason.
  * **Example 7:**
    * 这是我**答应**我父亲要完成的任务。
    * Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ **dāying** wǒ fùqīn yào wánchéng de rènwù.
    * English: This is the task I promised my father I would complete.
    * Analysis: This example shows `答应` used to frame a serious commitment or a sense of duty.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 你是不是**答应**他什么了？他今天特别高兴。
    * Pinyin: Nǐ shì bu shì **dāying** tā shénme le? Tā jīntiān tèbié gāoxìng.
    * English: Did you promise him something? He's especially happy today.
    * Analysis: A common question format `是不是 (shì bu shì)` used to confirm a suspicion about a promise being made.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 我本来不相信他，但他再三保证，我只好**答应**了。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ běnlái bù xiāngxìn tā, dàn tā zàisān bǎozhèng, wǒ zhǐhǎo **dāying** le.
    * English: I didn't believe him at first, but he guaranteed it again and again, so I had no choice but to agree.
    * Analysis: `只好 (zhǐhǎo)` means "to have no choice but to," showing a reluctant agreement after being persuaded.
  * **Example 10:**
    * **答应**我，以后不要再做傻事了。
    * Pinyin: **Dāying** wǒ, yǐhòu bùyào zài zuò shǎshì le.
    * English: Promise me you won't do anything foolish again.
    * Analysis: This is a very common imperative structure, `答应我 (dāying wǒ)`, used to extract a promise from someone, often in an emotional or serious context.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between **答应 (dāying)** and **同意 (tóngyì)**.
  *   **答应 (dāying): Use for Requests and Actions.** You **答应** a request to **do** something. It implies a commitment to an action.
    *   **Correct:** 他**答应**帮我搬家。(Tā **dāying** bāng wǒ bānjiā.) - He **agreed/promised to help** me move.
    *   **Incorrect:** 他**答应**我的看法。(Tā **dāying** wǒ de kànfǎ.) - This is wrong because a "viewpoint" is not an action.
  *   **[[同意]] (tóngyì): Use for Opinions and Proposals.** You **同意** with an idea, an opinion, a plan, or a suggestion. It's about mental alignment, not necessarily a commitment to act.
    *   **Correct:** 我**同意**你的看法。(Wǒ **tóngyì** nǐ de kànfǎ.) - I **agree with** your point of view.
    *   **Correct:** 经理**同意**了我们的计划。(Jīnglǐ **tóngyì** le wǒmen de jìhuà.) - The manager **approved** our plan.
**Think of it this way:**
  *   You **答应** a **person** to do something for them.
  *   You **同意** with a **thing** (an idea, a plan, an opinion).
While you can sometimes use `同意` to grant permission for an action (e.g., 我同意你去 - I agree to your going), `答应` is much more natural when responding to a direct request for help or a favor.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[同意]] (tóngyì) - To agree with an opinion or proposal. The most common point of confusion with `答应`.
  * [[承诺]] (chéngnuò) - A formal, serious promise or commitment. More weighty than `答应`.
  * [[允许]] (yǔnxǔ) - To permit or allow. Implies one has the authority to grant permission.
  * [[拒绝]] (jùjué) - The direct antonym: to refuse or reject a request or proposal.
  * [[回答]] (huídá) - To answer a question. `答应` is to answer a //call//, while `回答` is to answer a //question//.
  * [[要求]] (yāoqiú) - A request or a demand. This is often the thing that one either `答应` or `拒绝`.
  * [[保证]] (bǎozhèng) - To guarantee or ensure. A very strong way to promise something, implying certainty.
  * [[一言为定]] (yì yán wéi dìng) - "That's settled then!" An idiom often used right after someone `答应` something important, sealing the verbal agreement.
  * [[面子]] (miànzi) - "Face" or social standing. Breaking a promise made with `答应` can cause a loss of `面子`.
  * [[人情]] (rénqíng) - The currency of social relationships and favors. Agreeing to requests with `答应` is a key part of building `人情`.