shuō dào zuò dào: 说到做到 - To do what one says, To keep one's word

• Keywords: 说到做到, shuō dào zuò dào, keep one's word in Chinese, Chinese for promise, walk the talk Chinese, Chinese culture reliability, Chinese idiom for integrity, 说到做到 meaning, 说到做到 translation, Chinese character, how to be reliable in China.
• Summary: Learn the meaning and cultural importance of the Chinese phrase 说到做到 (shuō dào zuò dào), which translates to “to do what one says” or “to walk the talk.” This guide explores how this concept of integrity and reliability is a cornerstone of trust in Chinese culture, business, and personal relationships. Discover how to use this powerful phrase with practical examples, a character breakdown, and related cultural concepts.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shuō dào zuò dào
• Part of Speech: Verb Phrase / Idiom
• HSK Level: N/A (but extremely common and useful)
• Concise Definition: To be a person of one's word; to follow through on what one has said.
• In a Nutshell: 说到做到 is a fundamental principle in Chinese culture that describes a person who reliably does what they say they will do. It's more than just “keeping a promise”; it's a core trait of a person's character, indicating integrity, trustworthiness, and dependability. Someone who embodies 说到做到 is seen as honorable and worthy of respect.

• 说 (shuō): To speak, to say.
• 到 (dào): To arrive, to reach. Here, it acts as a result complement, indicating that the action has been completed or achieved. So, 说到 (shuō dào) means “what has been said” or “speaking to the point of completion.”
• 做 (zuò): To do, to make, to act.
• 到 (dào): To arrive, to reach. Again, this is a result complement. 做到 (zuò dào) means “to succeed in doing” or “doing to the point of completion.”

The phrase is built on a perfect parallel structure: “Say-Arrive, Do-Arrive.” This beautifully illustrates the core meaning: the action of doing arrives at the same destination as the action of speaking. What was said is what gets done.

说到做到 is deeply connected to the foundational Confucian value of 信 (xìn), which translates to trustworthiness, faithfulness, and integrity. In Confucian thought, 信 (xìn) is one of the Five Constants (五常, wǔcháng) and is essential for a functioning society and for being a virtuous person (君子, jūnzǐ). A person who fails to 说到做到 isn't just seen as flaky or forgetful; they are seen as lacking integrity. This can severely damage their social standing, or 面子 (miànzi), and harm their network of relationships, or 关系 (guānxi). Comparison with Western Culture: While the English phrase “to walk the talk” is a close equivalent, 说到做到 carries a heavier cultural weight. In the West, not “walking the talk” might label someone as a hypocrite or unreliable in a specific instance. In a Chinese context, a failure to 说到做到, especially in business or important personal matters, can be interpreted as a fundamental flaw in one's character. It implies a lack of respect for the other person and for oneself. Therefore, making a commitment and stating you will 说到做到 is a serious declaration of your personal honor.

This phrase is used across various contexts, from casual conversation to high-stakes business negotiations.

• In Business: It's a gold standard. Stating that your company prides itself on 说到做到 is a powerful way to build trust and signal reliability to potential partners. It means deadlines will be met, quality will be as promised, and agreements will be honored.
• In Personal Relationships: It's a high compliment. Telling a friend, “你总是说到做到” (You always do what you say), is a strong affirmation of their character. It's also used to make a serious commitment to someone, signifying that your word is your bond.
• As a Personal Principle: Many people hold 说到做到 as a personal motto or a principle for self-discipline. It's about holding oneself accountable for one's own goals and promises.

The connotation is overwhelmingly positive. It's a quality to be admired in others and cultivated in oneself.

• Example 1:
  • 他是个信守承诺的人，总是说到做到。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì ge xìnshǒu chéngnuò de rén, zǒngshì shuō dào zuò dào.
  • English: He is a person who honors his commitments; he always does what he says.
  • Analysis: This is a common way to praise someone's character, linking 说到做到 with the more formal idea of “honoring commitments” (信守承诺).
• Example 2:
  • 你放心，这件事我答应你了，就一定会说到做到。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ fàngxīn, zhè jiàn shì wǒ dāyìng nǐ le, jiù yīdìng huì shuō dào zuò dào.
  • English: Don't worry, since I've promised you on this matter, I will definitely follow through.
  • Analysis: Here, it's used to make a very strong and reassuring promise. The phrase adds significant weight to “I promise” (我答应你).
• Example 3:
  • 在商业合作中，说到做到是最基本的原则。
  • Pinyin: Zài shāngyè hézuò zhōng, shuō dào zuò dào shì zuì jīběn de yuánzé.
  • English: In business cooperation, doing what you say is the most fundamental principle.
  • Analysis: This highlights its importance in a professional context, framing it as a non-negotiable rule.
• Example 4:
  • 我们公司的文化就是说到做到，客户至上。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī de wénhuà jiùshì shuō dào zuò dào, kèhù zhìshàng.
  • English: Our company's culture is to do what we say and put the customer first.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates how the phrase can be used to define a corporate identity or ethos.
• Example 5:
  • 做人要诚实，要说到做到，不能吹牛。
  • Pinyin: Zuòrén yào chéngshí, yào shuō dào zuò dào, bùnéng chuī niú.
  • English: To be a good person, you must be honest, you must do what you say, and you can't just boast.
  • Analysis: This sentence is something a parent might say to a child, teaching a core life lesson and contrasting 说到做到 with its opposite, “boasting” or “bragging” (吹牛).
• Example 6:
  • 他说到做到，上周说要帮我，今天真的就来了。
  • Pinyin: Tā shuō dào zuò dào, shàng zhōu shuō yào bāng wǒ, jīntiān zhēn de jiù lái le.
  • English: He really keeps his word. Last week he said he'd help me, and today he actually showed up.
  • Analysis: This is a simple, conversational example praising a specific action that demonstrates the principle.
• Example 7:
  • 这位领导的优点就是说到做到，从不开空头支票。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi lǐngdǎo de yōudiǎn jiùshì shuō dào zuò dào, cóngbù kāi kōngtóu zhīpiào.
  • English: This leader's strong point is that he does what he says and never makes empty promises.
  • Analysis: Here, the phrase is used to evaluate a public figure, contrasting it with “making empty promises” (空头支票).
• Example 8:
  • 我对自己要求很严格，必须说到做到。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ duì zìjǐ yāoqiú hěn yángé, bìxū shuō dào zuò dào.
  • English: I am very strict with myself; I must do what I say.
  • Analysis: This shows the phrase used for self-motivation and personal discipline.
• Example 9:
  • 你能不能说到做到？别又只是说说而已。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bu néng shuō dào zuò dào? Bié yòu zhǐshì shuōshuo éryǐ.
  • English: Can you actually follow through? Don't let it be just talk again.
  • Analysis: This is a rare interrogative use, challenging someone's reliability based on past failures. It has a confrontational tone.
• Example 10:
  • 建立信任的关键在于，无论事情大小，都要坚持说到做到。
  • Pinyin: Jiànlì xìnrèn de guānjiàn zàiyú, wúlùn shìqíng dàxiǎo, dōu yào jiānchí shuō dào zuò dào.
  • English: The key to building trust is to insist on doing what you say, no matter if the matter is big or small.
  • Analysis: This sentence expresses the philosophy behind the phrase, explaining its direct link to the concept of trust (信任).

• Not just “I promise”: A common mistake for learners is to equate 说到做到 with the English “I promise.” While related, they are different. 保证 (bǎozhèng) is the more direct verb for “to promise” or “to guarantee.” 说到做到 is not the act of promising itself, but rather the principle or description of fulfilling a promise. It describes a characteristic, not just a verbal declaration.
• Weight and Formality: Using 说到做到 for something trivial (e.g., “I'll call you in 5 minutes, 我说到做到!”) can sound overly dramatic or even insincere. It's best reserved for situations where commitment and reliability are genuinely important.
• Applies to a Person's Actions: The phrase only applies to actions within one's own control. You cannot use it for things you don't have power over.
  • Incorrect: 我说到做到明天会天晴。(Wǒ shuō dào zuò dào míngtiān huì tiān qíng.) - I'll do what I say and it will be sunny tomorrow.
  • Reason: This is wrong because you cannot “do” the weather. It must apply to your own behavior and actions.

• 言行一致 (yán xíng yī zhì): A close synonym meaning “one's words and actions are consistent.” It's slightly more formal and focuses on the alignment between speech (言) and conduct (行).
• 言而有信 (yán ér yǒu xìn): A classical, formal idiom meaning “to be true to one's word.” It directly incorporates the character for trust, 信 (xìn).
• 信守承诺 (xìn shǒu chéng nuò): A formal verb phrase meaning “to faithfully keep one's promises.” Often used in written or formal contexts.
• 一言为定 (yī yán wéi dìng): “That's settled then,” “It's a deal.” This is said at the moment a verbal agreement is made. 说到做到 is the principle of fulfilling that agreement afterward.
• 保证 (bǎozhèng): The common verb “to guarantee” or “to promise.” It is the act of promising. A person who 说到做到 fulfills their 保证.
• 吹牛 (chuī niú): The direct antonym. “To boast,” “to brag,” “to talk big” without the ability to back it up. Someone who only talks but doesn't act.
• 空头支票 (kōng tóu zhī piào): “Empty promise,” literally a “blank check.” This is the result of a failure to 说到做到.
• 信誉 (xìnyù): “Credibility,” “reputation,” “trustworthiness.” A person who consistently 说到做到 will have a high 信誉.
• 靠谱 (kàopǔ): A popular, colloquial adjective meaning “reliable,” “dependable,” or “trustworthy.” A person who is 靠谱 is someone who 说到做到.