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B1 adjective #3,500 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

诚实

chengshi Top 3,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 诚实 en 30 secondes

Explication 诚实 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '诚实' (chéngshí) is introduced as a simple adjective to describe people, much like 'good' or 'happy.' Learners at this stage should focus on the basic meaning: 'honest' or 'not lying.' You will mostly use it in very simple sentence structures like 'He is honest' (他很诚实) or 'Are you honest?' (你诚实吗?). The goal is to recognize the characters and associate them with the fundamental concept of truth-telling. At this stage, don't worry about the deep philosophical roots; just treat it as a vocabulary word for describing character in basic introductions or stories about children.

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For A2 learners, '诚实' becomes part of a broader set of descriptive words for people's personalities. You will start to use it with the particle '的' to form phrases like '一个诚实的人' (an honest person). You might also learn to contrast it with '说谎' (shuōhuǎng - to lie). At this level, you should be able to use '诚实' in short paragraphs describing yourself or your friends. You will also begin to see it in simple moral stories or 'chengyu' (idiom) precursors. The focus is on correct placement in a sentence and using intensifiers like '很' (hěn - very) or '真' (zhēn - really).

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At the B1 level (the target level for this word), you are expected to use '诚实' in more complex discussions about values and relationships. You should understand the difference between being 'honest' (诚实) and being 'well-behaved' or 'naive' (老实). You will use '诚实' to discuss abstract topics like 'Why is honesty important in a job?' or 'Should we always be honest with our parents?'. You'll also start using '诚实地' as an adverb to describe how someone speaks or acts. This is the level where you move from simple description to using the word as a tool for expressing opinions and debating moral choices.

B2 learners should be comfortable using '诚实' in formal contexts, such as writing essays or giving presentations on social issues. You will begin to see how '诚实' relates to institutional concepts like '诚信' (chéngxìn - integrity/credit). You should be able to nuance your speech by using synonyms like '正直' (zhèngzhí - upright) or '真诚' (zhēnchéng - sincere) depending on the context. At this level, you might encounter '诚实' in news reports about corporate ethics or legal documents. You should also be able to understand and use common phrases and idioms that incorporate the idea of honesty.

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For C1 learners, '诚实' is a springboard into deep cultural and philosophical discussions. You will explore the Confucian roots of '诚' (sincerity) and how it differs from the Western concept of individual honesty. You will analyze literature where characters struggle with honesty and the social consequences of their choices. You should be able to use the word in high-level academic or professional writing, understanding its subtle connotations in different registers. You will also learn more rare and literary synonyms for honesty and integrity, and be able to explain the historical evolution of the term.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '诚实.' You can use it with perfect precision, even in poetic or highly formal classical-style modern Chinese. You understand the word's role in the 'Social Credit System' and other contemporary Chinese social structures. You can engage in complex debates about the ethics of honesty versus social harmony (面子 - miànzi). You can recognize and use obscure idioms and historical references related to honesty. Your use of the word is no longer just about the definition, but about the cultural 'weight' it carries in various sophisticated contexts.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

诚实 en 30 secondes

诚实 (chéngshí) means 'honest' and describes a person who tells the truth and acts with integrity.
It is a highly positive moral trait in Chinese culture, often taught to children from a young age.
Commonly used as an adjective (很诚实) or an adverb (诚实地), it is essential for describing character.
It differs from '老实' (lǎoshi), which can sometimes imply being naive or simple-minded.

The Chinese word 诚实 (chéngshí) is a foundational adjective in the Mandarin lexicon, primarily translated as 'honest' or 'truthful.' At its core, it describes a person's character or an action that is free of deceit, fraud, or falsehood. In Chinese culture, being chéngshí is not just a personality trait but a significant moral virtue deeply rooted in Confucian ethics. The first character, 诚 (chéng), represents sincerity and integrity, while the second, 实 (shí), denotes reality, truth, or substance. Together, they form a concept of 'sincere reality'—meaning that what one says on the outside perfectly matches the truth on the inside.

Moral Integrity: In social contexts, calling someone 诚实 is one of the highest compliments regarding their character. It implies that the person is trustworthy and reliable. For example, in a business setting, an 'honest businessman' (诚实的商人) is someone who does not cheat customers or misrepresent products. In personal relationships, it is the bedrock of trust between friends and family members.
Childhood Education: From a young age, Chinese children are taught the value of being 诚实. This is often contrasted with being 'clever' in a deceptive way. A child who admits to breaking a vase is praised for being 诚实, reinforcing the idea that the truth is more valuable than avoiding punishment. This educational aspect makes the word very common in pedagogical and parental discourse.
Legal and Formal Contexts: In more formal or legal settings, 诚实 is used to describe testimony or declarations. While terms like 'truth' (真相) exist, 诚实 specifically describes the human element—the act of being truthful. It is often paired with 'trustworthy' (信用) to form the concept of social credit and interpersonal reliability.

做一个诚实的人比聪明更重要。 (Being an honest person is more important than being clever.)

他诚实地交代了事情的经过。 (He honestly recounted the course of events.)

When using this word, it is important to understand its weight. In many Western cultures, 'white lies' are often seen as social lubricants. In Chinese culture, while social harmony is vital, the label of being 'not honest' (不诚实) carries a heavy social stigma, suggesting a fundamental flaw in one's moral compass. Therefore, when you describe someone as chéngshí, you are affirming their integrity and their worthiness of trust in the community.

Grammatically, 诚实 (chéngshí) functions primarily as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun or an adverb (with the help of the particle '地'). Understanding its placement in a sentence is key to sounding natural in Chinese.

As an Attributive Adjective: When modifying a noun, it usually takes the particle 的 (de). For example: '一个诚实的孩子' (An honest child). This is the most common way to describe someone's inherent nature.
As a Predicate Adjective: When following a linking verb or acting as the main descriptor of a subject, it often follows intensifiers like 很 (hěn) or 非常 (fēicháng). Example: '他很诚实' (He is very honest). Note that in Chinese, we rarely use '是' (shì) with adjectives unless emphasizing a category or using the '...的人' structure.
As an Adverb: To say someone did something 'honestly,' you add 地 (de). Example: '他诚实地回答了问题' (He answered the question honestly). This usage is common in narratives and reports.

我们需要一个诚实的回答，而不是借口。 (We need an honest answer, not excuses.)

It's also worth noting how 诚实 interacts with negation. '不诚实' (bù chéngshí) is the direct way to say 'dishonest.' However, Chinese speakers often use softer ways to imply dishonesty, but when the situation is serious, '不诚实' is the standard term used in school reports, performance reviews, and legal warnings.

你确定他是一个诚实的合作伙伴吗？ (Are you sure he is an honest business partner?)

In summary, using 诚实 correctly involves placing it before the noun with '的', after '很' for descriptions, or before a verb with '地'. Mastery of these three patterns covers 90% of its usage in daily conversation.

You will encounter 诚实 (chéngshí) in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from casual family talks to high-stakes news broadcasts. Its versatility makes it a high-frequency word in both spoken and written Chinese.

In the Home: Parents frequently use this word when disciplining or teaching children. If a child lies about their homework, a parent might say: '诚实是好孩子的品质' (Honesty is the quality of a good child). It is used to instill values and set expectations for behavior.
In Schools: Academic integrity is often discussed using 诚实. Teachers will remind students to be honest during exams (考试要诚实). Plagiarism and cheating are framed as acts of being 'un-honest' (不诚实). School mottos often include this word alongside terms like 'diligent' (勤奋) and 'innovative' (创新).
In Workplace and News: In job interviews, candidates are often asked to describe their strengths, and being 诚实 is a common (though sometimes cliché) answer. In the news, when a company is caught in a scandal, reporters might discuss the lack of 'corporate honesty' or 'integrity.' Legal news also uses it when discussing witnesses.

在简历中保持诚实是非常重要的。 (It is very important to remain honest in your resume.)

Furthermore, 诚实 appears in many common proverbs and idioms. While the word itself is modern, the concepts it represents are ancient. You will hear it in motivational speeches, graduation addresses, and even in lyrics of songs that talk about the purity of love or the difficulty of staying true to oneself in a complex world.

虽然真相可能让人难受，但请对我诚实。 (Although the truth might be painful, please be honest with me.)

Even though 诚实 (chéngshí) seems straightforward, English speakers often trip up on its nuances and its relationship with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words.

Confusing 诚实 with 老实 (lǎoshi): This is the most common mistake. While both can mean 'honest,' 老实 often implies being 'simple-minded,' 'naive,' or 'well-behaved.' If you call an adult '老实,' it might be interpreted as saying they are a bit of a pushover. 诚实 is always a positive moral trait, whereas 老实 depends on context.
Overusing '是' (shì): English speakers tend to say '他是诚实' (He is honest). In Chinese, you should say '他很诚实' or '他是一个诚实的人.' Using '是' alone with an adjective is a classic beginner error.
Confusing with 坦白 (tǎnbái): 坦白 means 'to confess' or 'to be frank about a mistake.' You '坦白' a crime or a secret. You are '诚实' as a general character trait. You wouldn't say 'I am 坦白' as a personality description.

Incorrect: 他是一个很老实的员工 (He is a very naive/submissive employee - unless that's what you mean). Correct: 他是一个很诚实的员工 (He is a very honest employee).

Another mistake is using 诚实 to mean 'accurate' (准确 - zhǔnquè). For example, a clock isn't '诚实'; it's '准确.' 诚实 is strictly for human behavior or things that reflect human intent.

不要因为害怕而说谎，要保持诚实。 (Don't lie out of fear; maintain your honesty.)

To truly master the concept of honesty in Chinese, you need to know the 'neighbors' of 诚实 (chéngshí). Each has a slightly different shade of meaning.

真诚 (zhēnchéng) - Sincere: While 诚实 focuses on not lying, 真诚 focuses on the warmth and genuineness of one's feelings. You can be honest but cold, but you cannot be 真诚 without being warm. Use this for 'sincere apologies' or 'genuine friendships.'
坦率 (tǎnshuài) - Frank/Outspoken: This describes someone who speaks their mind directly. An honest person might keep a secret to avoid hurting someone, but a 坦率 person will say it anyway. It's about the style of communication.
正直 (zhèngzhí) - Upright/Integrity: This is a higher-level word than 诚实. It describes someone with a strong sense of justice and moral principles. An 'upright' person doesn't just tell the truth; they do the right thing even when it's hard.
诚信 (chéngxìn) - Integrity/Trustworthiness: This is often used in business and social systems (like the Social Credit System). It combines 'honesty' and 'keeping one's word.' It's more formal and often refers to a person's or entity's reputation for being honest.

他的态度非常真诚，我相信他是诚实的。 (His attitude is very sincere; I believe he is honest.)

By choosing the right word from this list, you can express much more specific ideas. If you are writing a formal letter, 诚信 or 正直 might be better. If you are describing a close friend's personality, 真诚 or 诚实 would be more appropriate.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient texts, '诚' was considered the 'Way of Heaven' (天之道), meaning that the natural order of the universe is inherently sincere and without deception. Humans were encouraged to emulate this through '诚实'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tʃʌŋ ʃiː/

US /tʃʌŋ ʃi/

Equal stress on both syllables in Mandarin.

Rime avec

层 (céng) 灯 (dēng) 时 (shí) 实 (shí) 直 (zhí) 拾 (shí) 识 (shí) 十 (shí)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'chéng' as 'chèng' (fourth tone).
Pronouncing 'shí' as 'shì' (fourth tone).
Using an English 'r' sound in 'shí'.
Muffling the 'ng' sound in 'chéng'.
Confusing the 'sh' in 'shí' with a 's' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The characters are moderately common but require distinguishing between similar-looking ones like '城' (city).

Écriture 4/5

Writing '诚' and '实' (especially the traditional 實) requires attention to stroke order and radicals.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively easy for English speakers, though tones must be precise.

Écoute 2/5

High-frequency word that is usually clear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

说 (speak) 人 (person) 好 (good) 真 (true) 不 (not)

Apprends ensuite

诚信 (integrity) 正直 (upright) 虚伪 (hypocritical) 谎言 (lie) 信任 (trust)

Avancé

修身 (self-cultivation) 君子 (gentleman) 道义 (morality) 恪守 (adhere to) 坦荡 (open-hearted)

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective + 的 + Noun

诚实的孩子 (Honest child)

Subject + 很 + Adjective

他很诚实 (He is very honest)

Adjective + 地 + Verb

诚实地回答 (Answer honestly)

对 + Someone + Adjective

对他很诚实 (Be honest with him)

Negation with 不

他不诚实 (He is not honest)

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Exemples par niveau

他很诚实。

He is very honest.

Subject + 很 + Adjective structure.

你诚实吗？

Are you honest?

Simple question with 吗.

我不诚实。

I am not honest.

Negation with 不.

诚实的孩子。

An honest child.

Adjective + 的 + Noun.

爸爸很诚实。

Dad is very honest.

Common family description.

老师说要诚实。

The teacher says to be honest.

Using '说' to report a command.

我们要诚实。

We need to be honest.

Using '要' for necessity.

他是一个诚实的人。

He is an honest person.

Standard 'is a ... person' structure.

诚实是非常重要的。

Honesty is very important.

Using '是非常...的' for emphasis.

他虽然不聪明，但是很诚实。

Although he is not clever, he is very honest.

Although... but... (虽然...但是...) structure.

请诚实地告诉我。

Please tell me honestly.

Using '地' to form an adverb.

我不喜欢不诚实的人。

I don't like dishonest people.

Negating the adjective before the noun.

诚实的人有很多朋友。

Honest people have many friends.

Subject as a phrase.

他诚实地回答了我的问题。

He answered my question honestly.

Past action with '了'.

你必须对他诚实。

You must be honest with him.

对 someone 诚实 pattern.

做一个诚实的人并不难。

Being an honest person is not hard.

Gerund-like subject '做一个...的人'.

诚实是建立友谊的基础。

Honesty is the foundation of building friendship.

Abstract noun usage.

在工作中，诚实比什么都重要。

In work, honesty is more important than anything.

Comparison with '比什么都'.

他因为诚实而得到了大家的尊重。

He gained everyone's respect because of his honesty.

Cause and effect with '因为...而'.

诚实的人往往不会说谎。

Honest people often do not lie.

Using '往往' for general trends.

你应该诚实面对自己的错误。

You should honestly face your own mistakes.

Verb phrase '诚实面对'.

诚实的品质在现代社会很稀缺。

The quality of honesty is scarce in modern society.

Complex subject phrase.

他诚实地承认了自己没做功课。

He honestly admitted that he didn't do his homework.

Adverbial use with '承认'.

如果他不诚实，我们就不能合作。

If he isn't honest, we cannot cooperate.

Conditional '如果' sentence.

诚实守信是企业的核心价值观。

Honesty and trustworthiness are the core values of the enterprise.

Set phrase '诚实守信'.

一个诚实的政府能赢得民众的信任。

An honest government can win the trust of the people.

Political context.

他以诚实的态度赢得了这次辩论。

He won this debate with an honest attitude.

Using '以...的态度' (with a ... attitude).

诚实并不意味着要伤害别人的感情。

Being honest doesn't mean you have to hurt other people's feelings.

Abstract concept '意味着'.

我们需要对历史保持诚实。

We need to remain honest about history.

Abstract object '历史'.

他的诚实让他陷入了困境。

His honesty got him into trouble.

Subject as a noun '他的诚实'.

虽然实话难听，但诚实是必要的。

Although the truth is unpleasant to hear, honesty is necessary.

Contrast structure.

他在法庭上诚实地作证。

He testified honestly in court.

Formal legal context.

诚实是灵魂的体现，而非外在的表演。

Honesty is an expression of the soul, not an external performance.

Philosophical '而非' (and not) structure.

在文学作品中，诚实的叙述者往往更具说服力。

In literary works, an honest narrator is often more persuasive.

Literary analysis context.

他那种近乎愚蠢的诚实令人动容。

His almost foolish honesty was moving.

Nuanced description '近乎' (approaching/almost).

诚实与智慧并重，方能成就大业。

Only by valuing both honesty and wisdom can one achieve great things.

Classical '方能' (only then) structure.

这种不诚实的行径严重损害了学术声誉。

This dishonest behavior seriously damaged the academic reputation.

Formal academic tone.

我们要反思，诚实在利益面前是否依然廉价。

We need to reflect on whether honesty is still cheap in the face of profit.

Reflective question.

他以诚实为本，终身奉行不渝。

He took honesty as his foundation and practiced it throughout his life without wavering.

Formal '为本' and '不渝' (unwavering).

诚实的批判有时比虚伪的赞美更有价值。

Honest criticism is sometimes more valuable than hypocritical praise.

Complex comparison.

诚实乃立身之本，此言诚不欺我。

Honesty is the basis of one's character; these words truly do not deceive me.

Archaic '乃' and '诚不欺我' idiom.

在那个动荡的年代，保持诚实需要极大的勇气。

In those turbulent times, maintaining honesty required immense courage.

Historical/literary context.

他笔下的文字，字里行间都透着一种诚实。

The words from his pen reveal a kind of honesty between the lines.

Metaphorical '透着'.

诚实与社会和谐之间的张力是伦理学永恒的课题。

The tension between honesty and social harmony is an eternal subject in ethics.

Academic '张力' (tension).

他那番诚实得让人尴尬的表白，打破了长久的沉默。

His embarrassingly honest confession broke the long silence.

Degree complement '得让人尴尬'.

诚实不仅是言语的真实，更是行事的坦荡。

Honesty is not just the truth of words, but the openness of actions.

Parallel '不仅是...更是' structure.

这种诚实是一种对自我存在的深刻确认。

This kind of honesty is a profound confirmation of one's own existence.

Existential philosophy.

唯有诚实，方能穿越虚伪的迷雾，寻得真理。

Only through honesty can one pass through the fog of hypocrisy and find the truth.

Poetic/Metaphorical language.

Collocations courantes

诚实的人

表现诚实

诚实地回答

诚实的态度

不够诚实

保持诚实

诚实的品质

极其诚实

诚实守信

诚实劳动

Phrases Courantes

说实话

— To be honest; to tell the truth.

说实话，我不喜欢这个主意。

老诚持重

— Experienced and steady (often implies honesty/reliability).

他办事老诚持重。

诚实为本

— Honesty as the foundation.

做生意要诚实为本。

开诚布公

— To speak openly and sincerely.

大家开诚布公地谈一谈。

诚心诚意

— Earnestly and sincerely.

我是诚心诚意来帮忙的。

实事求是

— To seek truth from facts; to be practical and honest.

我们要实事求是地处理问题。

忠厚诚实

— Honest and kind-hearted.

他为人忠厚诚实。

诚实可靠

— Honest and reliable.

他是个诚实可靠的伙伴。

不诚实的行为

— Dishonest behavior.

学校严禁这种不诚实的行为。

坦白从宽

— Confess and be treated with leniency (often used in legal contexts).

政策是坦白从宽。

Souvent confondu avec

诚实 vs 老实 (lǎoshi)

Can mean naive or just well-behaved, whereas 诚实 is specifically about truthfulness.

诚实 vs 真实 (zhēnshí)

Means 'real' or 'authentic' (e.g., a real story), whereas 诚实 is a human character trait.

诚实 vs 现实 (xiànshí)

Means 'reality' or 'practical/materialistic', not related to honesty.

Expressions idiomatiques

"开诚布公"

— To open one's heart and display public spirit; to be perfectly open and aboveboard.

双方开诚布公地交换了意见。

Formal

"诚心诚意"

— With all one's heart and soul; in all sincerity.

他是诚心诚意要道歉的。

Neutral

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts; to be practical and realistic.

做研究必须实事求是。

Formal/Academic

"披肝沥胆"

— To open one's heart; to be extremely sincere and honest.

他披肝沥胆地向上级陈述了实情。

Literary

"肺腑之言"

— Words from the bottom of one's heart; sincere words.

这番话真是他的肺腑之言。

Neutral/Positive

"心口如一"

— What the heart thinks, the mouth says; to be frank and honest.

他这个人向来心口如一。

Positive

"表里如一"

— External appearance and internal thoughts are the same; to be consistent.

做人要表里如一。

Positive

"君子一言，驷马难追"

— A gentleman's word, once spoken, cannot be taken back (emphasizes keeping one's word).

我说到做到，君子一言，驷马难追。

Traditional

"言而有信"

— To be as good as one's word; to be trustworthy.

他是一个言而有信的人。

Formal

"光明磊落"

— Open and aboveboard; straightforward and honest.

他一生光明磊落，从不搞阴谋诡计。

High Praise

Facile à confondre

诚实 vs 老实

Both translate as 'honest' in some contexts.

诚实 is a moral choice to tell the truth; 老实 is often a personality of being simple, quiet, or easily manipulated.

他很诚实 (He tells the truth). 他很老实 (He is a simple/quiet guy).

诚实 vs 真实

Both relate to 'truth'.

真实 describes things/facts (a true story); 诚实 describes people (an honest person).

这是一个真实的故事 (This is a true story).

诚实 vs 坦白

Both involve telling the truth.

坦白 is a verb meaning 'to confess' a specific secret or crime.

他坦白了罪行 (He confessed the crime).

诚实 vs 真诚

Both involve sincerity.

真诚 is more about emotional genuineness; 诚实 is more about factual truthfulness.

他待人真诚 (He treats people with sincerity).

诚实 vs 诚信

Both mean honesty/integrity.

诚信 is the formal, systemic concept of trust and credit.

我们要讲究诚信 (We must emphasize integrity).

Structures de phrases

S + 很 + 诚实

他很诚实。

S + 是一个 + 诚实的 + N

他是一个诚实的学生。

S + 诚实地 + V

他诚实地承认了错误。

对 + S + 诚实

你应该对父母诚实。

诚实是...的基础

诚实是合作的基础。

以...为本/诚实为本

做人要以诚实为本。

诚实乃...之本

诚实乃立身之本。

虽然...但诚实...

虽然很难，但诚实是必须的。

Famille de mots

Noms

诚实 (honesty - as an abstract concept)

诚信 (integrity)

诚意 (sincerity/goodwill)

Verbes

诚 (to be sincere - archaic/literary)

Adjectifs

诚实 (honest)

真诚 (sincere)

坦诚 (open and honest)

Apparenté

信任 (trust)

谎言 (lie)

真相 (truth)

信用 (credit/trust)

正直 (upright)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in educational, moral, and personal contexts.

Erreurs courantes

他是诚实。 → 他很诚实。
In Chinese, you don't use '是' with adjectives unless you are using the '...的人' structure.
一个老实的商人。 → 一个诚实的商人。
Using '老实' might imply the businessman is naive or easily cheated. '诚实' correctly implies he is ethical.
他诚实承认了。 → 他诚实地承认了。
When modifying a verb, you need the adverbial particle '地'.
诚实的故事。 → 真实的故事。
Use '真实' for facts/stories and '诚实' for people's character.
你对他诚实吗？ → 你对他诚实吗？ (Correct, but learners often forget '对')
To be honest 'to' or 'with' someone, you must use the '对...诚实' pattern.

Astuces

Using '地' with 诚实

When you want to say someone spoke or acted honestly, always use '诚实地' (chéngshí de). Example: '他诚实地承认了错误' (He honestly admitted his mistake).

The Value of 'Face'

While being 诚实 is a virtue, in Chinese culture, you sometimes avoid being 'too honest' if it makes someone else lose face. This is a delicate social balance.

诚实 vs. 老实

Remember: 诚实 = Honest (Moral). 老实 = Honest/Naive/Well-behaved (Personality). Don't mix them up in professional settings!

Tone Mastery

Both syllables are second tone. Practice the rising pitch to ensure you are understood clearly.

Character Components

The radical in 诚 is 'speech' (讠), reminding you that honesty starts with what you say.

Context Clues

If you hear '骗' (piàn - to cheat) or '谎' (huǎng - lie), the speaker is likely discussing 诚实.

Learn '诚实守信'

This four-character phrase is everywhere in China. It means 'honest and trustworthy.' Learning it will make you sound very advanced.

Building Trust

Saying '我对他很诚实' (I am very honest with him) is a great way to describe a deep, trusting relationship.

HSK Preparation

诚实 is a key B1/HSK 3-4 word. Make sure you can write both characters from memory.

Solid Speech

Think of the 'Shi' in 诚实 as 'Solid.' An honest person's speech is solid like a rock.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Cheng' as 'Change' (to make real) and 'Shi' as 'Sure'. To be 诚实 is to make sure your words match the real world.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person whose mouth (讠) is connected by a straight line to a solid house (实). This signifies that what they say is as solid as a building.

Word Web

诚实说实话不骗人信任好品质正直真诚诚信

Défi

Try to use '诚实' in three different sentences today: one about a friend, one about yourself, and one about a character in a movie.

Origine du mot

The word is composed of two ancient Chinese characters. '诚' (chéng) consists of the 'speech' radical (讠) and the phonetic 'chéng' (成), which also means 'to complete' or 'to become.' This suggests that 'sincerity' is speech that is completed or made real. '实' (shí) originally depicted a string of coins under a roof, signifying wealth or substance. Over time, it came to mean 'reality' or 'solid truth.'

Sens originel : Sincere substance; speech that matches reality.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexte culturel

Calling someone '不诚实' is a very serious accusation in China and can lead to a significant loss of 'face'.

In English, 'honest' can sometimes be used for 'bluntness' (e.g., 'To be honest, I hate your hat'). In Chinese, 诚实 is rarely used this way; use 坦率 instead.

The Analects of Confucius (讨论 '诚') Social Credit System (诚信系统) Zeng Zi Killing the Pig (曾子杀彘)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

In School

考试不准不诚实
诚实的学生
诚实地承认错误
教孩子诚实

In Business

诚实守信的合作伙伴
诚实经营
对客户要诚实
诚实的广告

In Relationships

对朋友诚实
诚实是爱情的基础
请对我诚实
诚实地交流

In Legal Settings

诚实的证词
诚实地陈述事实
诚实信用原则
不诚实的控告

Personal Growth

对自己诚实
做一个诚实的人
诚实的价值
保持内心的诚实

Amorces de conversation

"你觉得诚实在职场中重要吗？ (Do you think honesty is important in the workplace?)"

"你会对你的好朋友完全诚实吗？ (Would you be completely honest with your best friend?)"

"你小时候因为不诚实被父母惩罚过吗？ (Were you punished by your parents for being dishonest as a child?)"

"在某些情况下，不诚实是可以接受的吗？ (Is it acceptable to be dishonest in certain situations?)"

"你认为诚实和礼貌哪个更重要？ (Which do you think is more important: honesty or politeness?)"

Sujets d'écriture

写一写你因为保持诚实而感到自豪的一次经历。 (Write about a time you felt proud because you remained honest.)

讨论一下在现代社会中保持诚实的挑战。 (Discuss the challenges of maintaining honesty in modern society.)

如果你发现一个朋友不诚实，你会怎么做？ (What would you do if you found out a friend was being dishonest?)

诚实对自己意味着什么？ (What does being honest to oneself mean?)

描述一个你认为非常诚实的人。 (Describe a person you consider to be very honest.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 真实 (zhēnshí) to say a movie or story is 'true' or 'realistic.' 诚实 is only for people or their actions.

诚实 is an adjective (honest). 说实话 is a phrase meaning 'to tell the truth' or 'to be honest' (as a sentence starter).

Yes, 诚实 is almost always positive. However, if you want to say someone is 'too honest' in a way that hurts feelings, you might use 坦率 (frank) or say they are '太直接' (too direct).

The most common translation is '诚实是最好的策略,' but people often use '诚实为本' (Honesty is the foundation).

Yes, but '诚信' (chéngxìn) is more common in professional and corporate contexts to denote integrity and credit.

It is written as 誠實.

Yes, in sentences like '诚实很重要,' it functions as the subject (Honesty is important).

Not necessarily, but be careful. It can imply they are a bit 'slow' or 'too simple.' If you mean they are a good, truthful person, 诚实 is safer.

The direct opposite is 不诚实 (dishonest), but 虚伪 (hypocritical) and 狡猾 (cunning) are also common antonyms.

Yes, 正直 (zhèngzhí) is the best word for a person who is both honest and has strong moral principles.

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