shuō yī bù èr: 说一不二 - To mean what one says, Unwavering, Resolute

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• Summary: Learn the powerful Chinese idiom 说一不二 (shuō yī bù èr), which describes a person who is resolute, unwavering, and always keeps their word. This phrase, literally “say one, not two,” paints a vivid picture of someone whose decisions are final and promises are ironclad. This guide explores its cultural significance, practical usage in modern China, and how it can describe both admirable integrity and frustrating stubbornness.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shuō yī bù èr
• Part of Speech: Idiom (成语, chéngyǔ)
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: To say one and mean one; to stick to one's word without wavering.
• In a Nutshell: This idiom describes a person who is completely decisive and reliable. When they say “one” (一), they don't follow it up with a “two” (二), meaning there is no room for negotiation, second-guessing, or changing their mind. Their word is final, and their promise is a guarantee. Depending on the context, this can be a high compliment to someone's integrity or a criticism of their inflexibility.

• 说 (shuō): To speak, to say.
• 一 (yī): The number one.
• 不 (bù): No, not.
• 二 (èr): The number two.

The characters literally combine to mean “speak one, not two.” This powerfully conveys the idea of finality and singularity. If a person says “one,” there is no alternative, no “two” that follows. Their statement is the single, final word on the matter, implying that their decision is non-negotiable and their promise is absolute.

• The Virtue of Integrity: The concept of `说一不二` is deeply rooted in the Chinese cultural value of 诚信 (chéngxìn), which translates to integrity, trustworthiness, and good faith. In a society that values reliability and social harmony, being a person whose word is their bond is a highly respected trait. A leader, a parent, or a business partner who is `说一不二` is seen as dependable and strong.
• Comparison to Western Culture: The English phrase “to mean what you say” or “their word is their bond” is a close parallel. However, `说一不二` often carries a stronger connotation of authority and finality. While “their word is their bond” focuses on the reliability of a promise, `说一不二` encompasses that but also suggests that the person's decision is absolute and not open for discussion. It's less about a mutual agreement and more about a firm declaration from a position of authority or unshakeable personal conviction. Think of a stern but respected CEO or a family patriarch whose decisions are law.

`说一不二` is frequently used to describe a person's character traits. Its connotation can shift from positive to negative based entirely on the situation.

• As a Compliment (Positive): When used to praise someone, it highlights their integrity, reliability, and strong leadership. It implies they are a person you can trust completely.
  • “My father is a man of his word; you can count on him.”
• As a Criticism (Negative): When used critically, it describes someone who is stubborn, autocratic, and inflexible. It suggests they are unwilling to listen to others or adapt, even when they might be wrong.
  • “My manager is so stubborn; once he decides something, no one can change his mind.”
• In Business and Negotiations: A party might use this phrase to signal that their offer is final. Saying “我们在这个价格上是说一不二的” (Wǒmen zài zhège jiàgé shàng shì shuō yī bù èr de) means “We are firm on this price,” indicating there is no more room for haggling.
• In Family Life: A parent might use it to establish a clear and non-negotiable rule for a child. “I said bedtime is at 9 PM, I say one and mean one!” (我说了九点睡觉，就是说一不二的!)

• Example 1:
  • 我爸爸是个说一不二的人，他答应你的事就一定会办到。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bàba shì ge shuō yī bù èr de rén, tā dāyìng nǐ de shì jiù yīdìng huì bàndào.
  • English: My dad is a man who means what he says; if he promises you something, he will definitely get it done.
  • Analysis: This is a classic positive usage, praising the father's reliability and integrity.
• Example 2:
  • 我们的老板太说一不二了，就算他的决定是错的，我们也没办法改变。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de lǎobǎn tài shuō yī bù èr le, jiùsuàn tā de juédìng shì cuò de, wǒmen yě méi bànfǎ gǎibiàn.
  • English: Our boss is too unyielding; even if his decision is wrong, there's nothing we can do to change it.
  • Analysis: Here, the exact same trait is framed negatively, highlighting stubbornness and inflexibility in a leader.
• Example 3:
  • 在原则问题上，我们必须说一不二。
  • Pinyin: Zài yuánzé wèntí shàng, wǒmen bìxū shuō yī bù èr.
  • English: On matters of principle, we must be resolute.
  • Analysis: This shows the term used to describe a stance or policy, not just a person. It implies an unwavering commitment.
• Example 4:
  • 他这个人最大的优点就是说一不二，从不食言。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhè ge rén zuìdà de yōudiǎn jiùshì shuō yī bù èr, cóng bù shíyán.
  • English: His greatest strength is that he always keeps his word and never goes back on it.
  • Analysis: `从不食言 (cóng bù shíyán)` means “never eat one's words” and is often used alongside `说一不二` to emphasize trustworthiness.
• Example 5:
  • 李将军治军严格，说一不二，所以他的部队纪律严明。
  • Pinyin: Lǐ jiāngjūn zhìjūn yángé, shuō yī bù èr, suǒyǐ tā de bùduì jìlǜ yánmíng.
  • English: General Li managed his army strictly and was unwavering in his commands, so his troops were highly disciplined.
  • Analysis: This is a common way to describe a strong, authoritative leader in a historical or military context.
• Example 6:
  • 妈妈对我说：“我说一不二，今天不写完作业，就不能看电视。”
  • Pinyin: Māma duì wǒ shuō: “Wǒ shuō yī bù èr, jīntiān bù xiěwán zuòyè, jiù bùnéng kàn diànshì.”
  • English: Mom said to me: “I mean what I say. If you don't finish your homework today, you can't watch TV.”
  • Analysis: A perfect example of its use in a family setting to enforce a rule with finality.
• Example 7:
  • 在遵守合同方面，我们公司向来是说一不二的。
  • Pinyin: Zài zūnshǒu hétong fāngmiàn, wǒmen gōngsī xiànglái shì shuō yī bù èr de.
  • English: When it comes to honoring contracts, our company has always been unwavering.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the term's application in a formal business context to emphasize reliability and adherence to agreements.
• Example 8:
  • 跟他合作要小心，他这个人说一不二，非常不好商量。
  • Pinyin: Gēn tā hézuò yào xiǎoxīn, tā zhè ge rén shuō yī bù èr, fēicháng bù hǎo shāngliang.
  • English: Be careful when cooperating with him; he's very set in his ways and not open to negotiation.
  • Analysis: A cautionary use of the term, framing the inflexibility as a negative trait in a collaborative environment.
• Example 9:
  • 我就是这种说一不二的性格，决定了就不会改。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ jiùshì zhè zhǒng shuō yī bù èr de xìnggé, juédìng le jiù bú huì gǎi.
  • English: I just have this kind of resolute personality; once I've decided something, I won't change it.
  • Analysis: A self-description. Depending on the speaker's tone, this could be a statement of pride in their own decisiveness or an admission of their own stubbornness.
• Example 10:
  • 这位老教授在学术上说一不二，绝不容忍任何抄袭行为。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi lǎo jiàoshòu zài xuéshù shàng shuō yī bù èr, jué bù róngrěn rènhé chāoxí xíngwéi.
  • English: This old professor is uncompromising in academic matters and absolutely does not tolerate any plagiarism.
  • Analysis: Highlights how `说一不二` can describe an unyielding stance on a specific issue (like academic integrity) rather than a general personality trait.

• Not Just “Honest”: A common mistake is to think `说一不二` just means “honest.” While a person who is `说一不二` is typically honest, the idiom's focus is on resolve and finality. An honest person might still change their mind; a `说一不二` person will not. Their word is law.
• `说一不二` vs. `固执` (gùzhí - Stubborn): This is a key distinction. `固执` (stubborn) is almost always a negative term, implying an irrational refusal to change one's mind. `说一不二` can be a positive trait, describing the same inflexibility but framing it as admirable integrity and strength. The context and the speaker's intent are everything.
  • Positive: 他是个说一不二的领导。(He's a resolute leader.)
  • Negative: 他是个固执的领导。(He's a stubborn leader.)
• Incorrect Usage: Don't use it to describe a simple act of lying or truth-telling. It's about sticking to a stated decision or promise.
  • Incorrect: `他昨天撒谎了，真是不说一不二。` (He lied yesterday, he really doesn't mean what he says.)
  • Why it's wrong: This is awkward. The issue is the lie itself, not his lack of resolve. You would use a term like `不诚实 (bù chéngshí - dishonest)` or `不守信用 (bù shǒu xìnyòng - untrustworthy)`. `说一不二` applies *after* a statement has been made, describing the commitment to that statement.

• 言出必行 (yán chū bì xíng) - “When one speaks, one must act.” A very close synonym that emphasizes following through on one's words with actions.
• 一诺千金 (yī nuò qiān jīn) - “A single promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold.” An idiom that stresses the immense value of a promise, aligning with the reliability aspect of `说一不二`.
• 说到做到 (shuō dào zuò dào) - “Say it and do it.” A more common and slightly more colloquial version of `言出必行`.
• 一言为定 (yī yán wéi dìng) - “One word and it's settled.” A phrase used to seal a deal or agreement, reflecting the finality of spoken commitments.
• 固执 (gùzhí) - “Stubborn,” “obstinate.” This is often the negative interpretation of the behavior described by `说一不二`. It highlights the inflexibility without any of the positive connotations of integrity.
• 诚信 (chéngxìn) - “Integrity,” “good faith,” “trustworthiness.” The core cultural value that makes being `说一不二` a praiseworthy characteristic.
• 金口玉言 (jīn kǒu yù yán) - “Golden mouth, jade words.” A highly formal term describing the words of an emperor or a person of very high status, whose every utterance is an inviolable command. It's a much stronger and more reverent version of `说一不二`.