chéngnuò: 承诺 - Promise, Commitment

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• Summary: Learn the meaning and cultural weight of 承诺 (chéngnuò), the Chinese word for a serious promise or commitment. This guide explores its character breakdown, practical usage in business and personal life, and how it differs from a casual English “promise,” providing essential context for any Mandarin learner.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): chéngnuò
• Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To make a promise or commitment; a promise or commitment that has been made.
• In a Nutshell: 承诺 (chéngnuò) is a formal and weighty word. It's not just a casual “I promise,” but a solemn declaration that you are undertaking a responsibility. Think of it as a pledge or a binding commitment where your reputation is on the line. It implies a deep sense of duty and the expectation that the promise will be fulfilled.

• 承 (chéng): This character's original meaning relates to receiving something with both hands. It has evolved to mean “to bear,” “to undertake,” or “to receive a responsibility.” Imagine physically taking on a burden or a duty.
• 诺 (nuò): This character is composed of the “speech” radical (言) on the left and “like” or “as if” (若) on the right. It signifies a verbal agreement or consent—to say “yes” to something.
• When combined, 承诺 (chéngnuò) literally means “to bear a promise” or “to undertake a verbal agreement.” This fusion creates a word that is much stronger than a simple agreement; it's about accepting the full weight and responsibility of the words you have spoken.

In Chinese culture, a 承诺 (chéngnuò) is a cornerstone of trust (信任 xìnrèn) and personal integrity. The act of making a `承诺` is taken very seriously, reflecting the cultural value placed on one's word and reputation. The famous idiom 一诺千金 (yī nuò qiān jīn), meaning “a single promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold,” perfectly captures this sentiment. This contrasts with the often more casual use of “promise” in Western, particularly American, culture. One might say, “I promise I'll call you later” without it being a solemn vow. To use `承诺` in such a casual context in Chinese would sound overly dramatic and even strange. A `承诺` is typically reserved for significant matters—in business, relationships, or public life—where breaking it would lead to a serious loss of face (面子 miànzi) and damage to the relationship. It's a verbal contract backed by one's honor.

`承诺` is a relatively formal word used in specific contexts where a high degree of seriousness is intended.

• In Business and Formal Settings: This is a very common context. Companies make `承诺` to their customers about quality or service. Business partners make `承诺` to each other during negotiations.
  • e.g., “Our company's commitment to quality.” (我们公司对质量的承诺。)
• In Personal Relationships: It is used for significant, life-altering promises between family, partners, or very close friends. It's the word you would use for a marriage vow or a promise to care for your parents in their old age.
  • e.g., “His promise to her was for a lifetime.” (他对她的承诺是一辈子的。)
• In Public or Political Speech: Government officials and public figures will make a `承诺` to the people, signifying a formal pledge to take action on a certain issue.

It is generally not used for trivial, everyday agreements. For that, you would use 答应 (dāying).

• Example 1:
  • 他对客户做出了一个重要的承诺。
  • Pinyin: Tā duì kèhù zuòchūle yí ge zhòngyào de chéngnuò.
  • English: He made an important promise to the client.
  • Analysis: This is a classic business context. `做出了一个承诺 (zuòchūle yí ge chéngnuò)` is a common collocation meaning “made a promise.”
• Example 2:
  • 我承诺，我一定会完成这个项目。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ chéngnuò, wǒ yídìng huì wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.
  • English: I promise that I will definitely finish this project.
  • Analysis: Here, `承诺` is used as a verb to introduce a solemn pledge. The inclusion of `一定 (yídìng)` reinforces the certainty.
• Example 3:
  • 这是一个沉重的承诺，你确定你能做到吗？
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì yí ge chénzhòng de chéngnuò, nǐ quèdìng nǐ néng zuòdào ma?
  • English: This is a heavy commitment. Are you sure you can fulfill it?
  • Analysis: The adjective `沉重 (chénzhòng - heavy)` is often used to modify `承诺`, highlighting its significant weight and responsibility.
• Example 4:
  • 作为一个男人，必须信守自己的承诺。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi yí ge nánrén, bìxū xìnshǒu zìjǐ de chéngnuò.
  • English: As a man, you must keep your promises.
  • Analysis: `信守承诺 (xìnshǒu chéngnuò)` is a set phrase meaning “to keep/honor a promise.” This sentence reflects the cultural connection between keeping promises and one's honor.
• Example 5:
  • 政府承诺要解决失业问题。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ chéngnuò yào jiějué shīyè wèntí.
  • English: The government promised to solve the unemployment problem.
  • Analysis: This shows the formal use of `承诺` in a political or public context. It implies a formal pledge to the nation.
• Example 6:
  • 你不能轻易许下承诺，因为违背承诺会伤害别人。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bùnéng qīngyì xǔxià chéngnuò, yīnwèi wéibèi chéngnuò huì shānghài biérén.
  • English: You can't make promises lightly, because breaking a promise will hurt others.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses two key collocations: `许下承诺 (xǔxià chéngnuò)` meaning “to make a promise” and `违背承诺 (wéibèi chéngnuò)` meaning “to go against/break a promise.”
• Example 7:
  • 婚姻是两个人对彼此一生的承诺。
  • Pinyin: Hūnyīn shì liǎng ge rén duì bǐcǐ yìshēng de chéngnuò.
  • English: Marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people to each other.
  • Analysis: This is the perfect word to describe the vows and commitments central to marriage. `一生 (yìshēng)` means “an entire life.”
• Example 8:
  • 我不需要你的承诺，我需要你的行动。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù xūyào nǐ de chéngnuò, wǒ xūyào nǐ de xíngdòng.
  • English: I don't need your promise, I need your action.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows a context where words (`承诺`) are contrasted with deeds (`行动 xíngdòng`), a common theme in any culture.
• Example 9:
  • 公司未能履行其承诺，导致客户非常不满。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī wèi néng lǚxíng qí chéngnuò, dǎozhì kèhù fēicháng bùmǎn.
  • English: The company failed to fulfill its commitment, causing the clients to be very dissatisfied.
  • Analysis: `履行承诺 (lǚxíng chéngnuò)` is another formal way to say “to fulfill/carry out a promise,” often used in legal or business contexts.
• Example 10:
  • 他给了我一个坚定的承诺，让我感到很安心。
  • Pinyin: Tā gěi le wǒ yí ge jiāndìng de chéngnuò, ràng wǒ gǎndào hěn ānxīn.
  • English: He gave me a firm promise, which made me feel very reassured.
  • Analysis: The adjective `坚定 (jiāndìng - firm, steady)` reinforces the strength and reliability of the promise.

The most common mistake for English speakers is using 承诺 (chéngnuò) for casual, everyday promises. It is a “false friend” with the English word “promise” in this regard.

• `承诺 (chéngnuò)` vs. `答应 (dāying)`:
  • 承诺 (chéngnuò): A formal, serious commitment or pledge. It implies a sense of duty and responsibility. Use it for important matters.
  • 答应 (dāying): To agree to do something, to say “yes.” It's much more common and casual. It's the correct word for everyday situations.
• Incorrect Usage:
  • `我承诺我明天会给你打电话。` (Wǒ chéngnuò wǒ míngtiān huì gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.)
  • Why it's wrong: This sounds overly dramatic and formal, as if calling tomorrow is a life-or-death matter. You are elevating a simple plan to a solemn vow.
• Correct Usage:
  • `我答应你，明天给你打电话。` (Wǒ dāying nǐ, míngtiān gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.)
  • `放心吧，我明天会给你打电话。` (Fàngxīn ba, wǒ míngtiān huì gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.) - “Don't worry, I'll call you tomorrow.”

Essentially, before using `承诺`, ask yourself: “Is this a serious commitment where my honor or reputation is at stake?” If the answer is no, you probably want to use `答应` or another phrase instead.

• 答应 (dāying) - To agree, to consent. The more common and casual equivalent of “to promise.”
• 保证 (bǎozhèng) - To guarantee, to assure. Stronger than `答应`, it often implies a guarantee against something negative happening.
• 誓言 (shìyán) - An oath, a vow. Even more formal and solemn than `承诺`, often used in ceremonies (like a wedding vow `结婚誓言`) or pledges of allegiance.
• 许诺 (xǔnuò) - To promise. Very similar to `承诺` and often interchangeable, though some feel it can focus more on the act of promising itself rather than the weight of the commitment.
• 一诺千金 (yī nuò qiān jīn) - An idiom: “a promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold.” Embodies the cultural value of a `承诺`.
• 信守承诺 (xìnshǒu chéngnuò) - A set phrase: “to keep/abide by a promise.”
• 违背承诺 (wéibèi chéngnuò) - A set phrase: “to break/go against a promise.”
• 履行承诺 (lǚxíng chéngnuò) - A set phrase: “to fulfill/carry out a promise” (formal).
• 信任 (xìnrèn) - Trust. The foundation that is built by keeping a `承诺`.
• 责任 (zérèn) - Responsibility, duty. The feeling that is inherent in making a `承诺`.