Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #1,800 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

承诺

chéngnuò Top 1,800

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Chinese language. While 承诺 (chéngnuò) is officially classified as an A2 or even B1 word in some frequency lists due to its formal nature, introducing it early helps build a foundation for understanding cultural values. For an A1 student, the focus should be purely on recognition. You might see or hear this word in very simple, translated sentences like 'I promise' (我承诺). However, at this stage, you are much more likely to use simpler words like 好的 (hǎo de - okay) or 没问题 (méi wèntí - no problem) to express agreement. The goal here is not active production, but passive understanding. If you watch a Chinese cartoon or read a very basic graded reader, you might encounter a character making a serious 'chéngnuò' to a friend. Recognizing the characters 承 and 诺 visually can also be a fun exercise in character composition, noting how they look and sound. Teachers might introduce it as a 'bonus' word when discussing the concept of trust. You do not need to worry about complex grammar structures or collocations yet. Just knowing that 承诺 means a big, serious promise is sufficient for an A1 learner. This early exposure plants the seed for future, more nuanced usage as you progress through the CEFR levels.

Reaching the A2 level means you are starting to engage in more meaningful, albeit simple, conversations. This is where 承诺 (chéngnuò) becomes actively useful. At this stage, you should learn to use it as a basic verb to express a serious intention. The primary structure to master is '我承诺...' (I promise...). For example, you can say '我承诺明天会来' (I promise I will come tomorrow) to show that you are very serious about your attendance, distinguishing it from a casual '我会来'. You should also begin to understand its noun form in simple contexts, such as '这是一个承诺' (This is a promise). At A2, you are learning to navigate basic social interactions, and knowing how to make a firm commitment is a valuable skill. However, you must also learn the crucial distinction between 承诺 and 答应 (dāying). You should practice using 答应 for small favors ('I agreed to buy coffee') and reserve 承诺 for more significant agreements ('I promise to keep your secret'). Teachers will often use role-play exercises where you have to make a serious commitment to a classmate to practice this word. While you won't be reading complex legal documents yet, understanding 承诺 helps you comprehend simple stories or dialogues where trust and reliability are central themes. It marks a step up from basic survival Chinese into language that builds relationships.

At the B1 level, your Chinese is becoming more conversational and applicable to a wider range of daily and professional situations. Here, your mastery of 承诺 (chéngnuò) needs to expand significantly. You are no longer just making simple statements; you are discussing the concept of promises. You need to comfortably use collocations like 做出承诺 (make a promise), 兑现承诺 (fulfill a promise), and 违背承诺 (break a promise). In a workplace context, which is a common topic at B1, you might need to say '公司承诺提高工资' (The company promised to raise salaries). You should also be comfortable with the prepositional structure '向...承诺' (to promise to someone), as in '他向老板承诺按时完成' (He promised the boss to finish on time). Furthermore, B1 learners start consuming more native media, such as pop songs and simple dramas, where 承诺 is a highly frequent word in romantic or dramatic contexts. You will hear characters agonizing over broken promises or making lifelong vows. Understanding the emotional weight of the word is crucial here. You should also be able to contrast it effectively with 保证 (bǎozhèng - guarantee) in writing and speaking exercises. By the end of B1, 承诺 should be an active, versatile part of your vocabulary, allowing you to express reliability and discuss the commitments of others with clarity and cultural appropriateness.

The B2 level demands a high degree of fluency and the ability to handle abstract concepts and complex arguments. At this stage, your use of 承诺 (chéngnuò) should be sophisticated and nuanced. You will encounter this word frequently in news articles, opinion pieces, and formal reports. You must be able to understand and use it in passive constructions and complex sentences, such as '政府做出的承诺必须得到落实' (The commitments made by the government must be implemented). You should be comfortable discussing the implications of political or corporate promises, using vocabulary like 虚假承诺 (false promises) or 庄严承诺 (solemn commitments). In professional settings, you might be required to draft emails or simple agreements where 承诺 is used to outline binding obligations. The cultural aspect also deepens at B2; you should be able to discuss the concept of 'face' (面子) and how breaking a 承诺 impacts one's social standing in Chinese society. You might write essays analyzing characters in literature who either uphold or betray their commitments. Furthermore, you should effortlessly navigate the subtle differences between 承诺, 保证, 许诺, and 承担, choosing the exact right word for your intended meaning. At B2, 承诺 is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to analyze and discuss trust, responsibility, and ethics in the Chinese-speaking world.

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native proficiency, and your use of 承诺 (chéngnuò) should reflect a deep understanding of its stylistic and pragmatic nuances. You are expected to comprehend and produce complex, formal discourse where 承诺 is used in legal, diplomatic, or highly academic contexts. You will encounter phrases like '具有法律约束力的承诺' (legally binding commitment) or '履行国际义务和承诺' (fulfilling international obligations and commitments). You should be able to effortlessly integrate idioms related to promises, such as 一诺千金 (a promise worth a thousand in gold) or 食言而肥 (to grow fat on eaten words/broken promises), into your speech and writing to demonstrate cultural fluency. At this level, you can critically analyze political speeches or corporate manifestos, evaluating the rhetoric surrounding the 承诺 being made. You understand how the word can be manipulated for persuasive effect. In interpersonal communication, you can use 承诺 to express profound emotional depth, understanding exactly how it sounds to a native speaker's ear compared to other synonyms. You can also play with the word stylistically, perhaps using it ironically or metaphorically in creative writing. Mastery at C1 means that 承诺 is fully integrated into your linguistic repertoire, deployed with precision, elegance, and a complete awareness of its cultural and historical resonance.

The C2 level represents mastery, where you operate with the ease and sophistication of a highly educated native speaker. At this pinnacle, your engagement with 承诺 (chéngnuò) transcends basic definitions and grammar. You appreciate its etymological roots in classical Chinese and how historical texts conceptualized the act of promising. You can engage in philosophical or sociological discussions about the nature of a 'social contract' in Chinese society, using 承诺 as a central analytical term. You are comfortable reading classical literature or highly dense academic papers where the concept of 诺 (nuò) is explored in the context of Confucian ethics (信, xìn). In your own production, whether delivering a keynote address, negotiating a complex international treaty, or writing a literary critique, you use 承诺 with absolute precision. You understand the microscopic differences in tone when it is paired with various modifiers or placed in unusual syntactic structures for rhetorical effect. You can instantly detect when a native speaker is using the word insincerely or evasively. At C2, you don't just know what 承诺 means; you understand what it *does* in the Chinese language—how it binds people, shapes reputations, and constructs social reality. It is a word that you wield with complete authority and profound cultural empathy, reflecting your total immersion in the language.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

承诺 en 30 secondes

Means 'to promise' or 'commitment' in English.
Used as both a verb and a noun.
Implies a formal, serious, or binding agreement.
Carries heavy cultural weight regarding trust and face.

The Chinese word 承诺 (chéngnuò) is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates to 'promise' or 'commitment' in English. Understanding this term requires a deep dive into its etymology, cultural significance, and practical usage in everyday communication. The concept of making a promise is universal, but the way it is expressed and perceived in Chinese culture carries specific nuances that learners must grasp to achieve fluency.

Etymology: The word is composed of two characters: 承 (chéng), meaning to bear or undertake, and 诺 (nuò), meaning to promise or consent.

When combined, these characters form a powerful term that implies not just a casual agreement, but a serious undertaking that one is bound to fulfill. This is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where trustworthiness (信, xìn) is considered one of the most important virtues a person can possess.

他向我承诺会按时完成任务。

In modern Chinese, 承诺 functions seamlessly as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is used to describe the action of making a promise to someone. It is often followed by a clause that specifies what is being promised. For example, a company might promise to provide excellent customer service, or a politician might promise to improve the economy. As a noun, 承诺 refers to the promise itself. It is frequently paired with verbs like 做出 (to make), 信守 (to keep), and 违背 (to break).

Noun Usage: When used as a noun, it often appears in formal contexts, such as contracts or public statements.

The gravity of a 承诺 is such that breaking it can lead to a significant loss of face (面子, miànzi) and damage to one's reputation.

这是一个庄严的承诺。

This is particularly true in business environments, where verbal agreements and written contracts are heavily reliant on the perceived reliability of the parties involved. In personal relationships, a promise made between friends or romantic partners is seen as a foundational element of trust and intimacy.

我无法给你任何承诺。

To fully master this word, learners must practice its collocations and understand the nuances that distinguish it from similar words. For instance, while 答应 (dāying) is more casual, akin to agreeing to do a favor, 承诺 implies a long-term or highly significant obligation. 保证 (bǎozhèng), on the other hand, often carries a sense of guaranteeing an outcome, sometimes with a more objective or evidentiary focus. In contrast, 承诺 is deeply personal and tied to one's character and integrity.

Cultural Context: The idiom 一诺千金 (a promise worth a thousand in gold) perfectly encapsulates the cultural weight of this concept.

By integrating 承诺 into your vocabulary, you not only expand your linguistic repertoire but also gain a deeper appreciation for the values that underpin Chinese social interactions.

信守承诺是做人的基本原则。

This comprehensive understanding will enable you to navigate complex conversations with greater confidence and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that your words carry the appropriate weight and sincerity. Whether you are negotiating a business deal, making vows at a wedding, or simply assuring a friend that you will be there for them, the word 承诺 is your key to expressing genuine commitment in Chinese.

政府承诺改善医疗条件。

As you continue to study and practice, you will notice how frequently this word appears in news broadcasts, literature, and daily conversations, further reinforcing its status as a core component of the Chinese language.

Using 承诺 (chéngnuò) correctly requires an understanding of its dual function as both a noun and a verb, as well as the specific grammatical structures and collocations associated with it. This section will provide a detailed breakdown of how to incorporate this essential word into your spoken and written Chinese.

Verb Usage: When functioning as a verb, 承诺 is typically followed by the specific action or state that is being promised.

The structure is usually 'Subject + 承诺 + (会/要) + Verb Phrase'. For instance, if you want to say 'I promise to help you', you would say '我承诺会帮你' (Wǒ chéngnuò huì bāng nǐ).

公司承诺提高员工福利。

Notice that the auxiliary verb 会 (huì), indicating future possibility or certainty, is often used in conjunction with 承诺 to emphasize that the promised action will take place in the future. However, you can use 了 to indicate that the act of promising has already occurred, as in '他承诺了会来' (He promised that he would come).

Noun Usage: As a noun, 承诺 is often the object of verbs related to making, keeping, or breaking agreements.

The most common collocations include 做出承诺 (zuòchū chéngnuò - to make a promise), 信守承诺 (xìnshǒu chéngnuò - to keep a promise), and 违背承诺 (wéibèi chéngnuò - to break a promise).

我们必须信守我们的承诺。

When modifying the noun 承诺, adjectives like 庄严的 (zhuāngyán de - solemn), 重要的 (zhòngyào de - important), or 空洞的 (kōngdòng de - empty) are frequently employed to add descriptive detail.

那只是一个空洞的承诺。

It is also important to note the prepositional phrases used to indicate the recipient of the promise. The structure '向 + Recipient + 承诺' is standard. For example, '他向大家承诺...' (He promised everyone...). In formal writing, such as business correspondence or legal documents, 承诺 is preferred over more colloquial terms because it conveys a higher level of professionalism and legal or moral binding.

Formal Contexts: In contracts, you will often see phrases like '甲方承诺...' (Party A undertakes to...).

Understanding these structural patterns will allow you to use 承诺 naturally and accurately.

这是我对你的承诺。

Practice creating your own sentences using these templates, and pay attention to how native speakers use the word in various media. By doing so, you will internalize the grammar and vocabulary associated with making and discussing commitments in Chinese.

他没有兑现他的承诺。

Remember that while the grammar is relatively straightforward, the cultural weight of the word means it should be used thoughtfully and sincerely.

The word 承诺 (chéngnuò) is ubiquitous in Chinese society, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts from formal political discourse to intimate personal conversations. Recognizing where and how this word is used will significantly enhance your listening comprehension and cultural fluency.

Business and Commerce: In the corporate world, 承诺 is a cornerstone of negotiations, marketing, and customer relations.

Companies frequently make public commitments regarding product quality, delivery times, or environmental sustainability. You will often hear phrases like '服务承诺' (service commitment) or '质量承诺' (quality promise) in advertisements and corporate literature.

我们对客户的承诺始终不变。

In contracts, the term is used to outline the binding obligations of each party, making it a critical vocabulary word for anyone conducting business in China. Moving to the political sphere, government officials and agencies frequently use 承诺 to outline policy goals and assure the public of their intentions.

Politics and News: News broadcasts are filled with reports of leaders making commitments to reduce emissions, improve infrastructure, or boost the economy.

In this context, the word carries a heavy sense of public accountability.

市长承诺解决交通拥堵问题。

Beyond the formal realms of business and politics, 承诺 is deeply embedded in interpersonal relationships. In romantic contexts, making a commitment is a significant milestone.

婚姻是一生的承诺。

Couples may discuss their '对未来的承诺' (commitment to the future), and breaking such a promise is viewed as a serious breach of trust. Even in friendships, a 承诺 to keep a secret or offer support during hard times is highly valued.

Everyday Life: While less common for trivial matters, using 承诺 among friends shows a high level of sincerity and dedication.

You might also encounter the word in educational settings, where students might sign an 'academic integrity commitment' (学术诚信承诺书).

学生们签署了不作弊的承诺。

By paying attention to these various contexts, you will develop a nuanced understanding of when and how to deploy 承诺 appropriately. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal obligation and personal integrity, making it indispensable for anyone looking to communicate effectively and respectfully in Chinese society.

环保组织呼吁政府兑现承诺。

Keep an ear out for it the next time you watch a Chinese movie, read a news article, or engage in a serious conversation.

Even advanced learners of Chinese often stumble when using 承诺 (chéngnuò), primarily due to direct translation from English and a misunderstanding of its specific collocations and register. This section highlights the most frequent errors and provides clear guidance on how to avoid them.

Register Mismatch: One of the most common mistakes is using 承诺 for trivial, everyday agreements where 答应 (dāying) would be more appropriate.

For example, if a friend asks you to pick up some milk on the way home, saying '我承诺买牛奶' sounds overly dramatic and formal. Instead, you should simply say '我答应了' or '好的'.

错误：我承诺明天还你十块钱。

承诺 should be reserved for significant obligations, such as business contracts, life-altering decisions, or serious personal vows. Another frequent error involves incorrect verb pairings when using 承诺 as a noun. English speakers often try to translate 'do a promise' or 'give a promise' literally.

Collocation Errors: In Chinese, you do not '做' (do) or '给' (give) a 承诺 in the literal sense. The correct verbs are 做出 (to make/issue) or 许下 (to make a vow).

Saying '他给我一个承诺' is understandable but slightly unnatural compared to '他向我做出了承诺'.

正确：他向我做出了庄严的承诺。

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 承诺 with 保证 (bǎozhèng). While both can translate to 'promise' or 'guarantee', 保证 focuses more on assuring an outcome or quality, often with a sense of providing evidence or taking responsibility if things go wrong. 承诺 is more about the moral or contractual obligation to perform an action.

我承诺会尽力，但我不能保证成功。

This sentence perfectly illustrates the difference: 'I promise (commit) to try my best, but I cannot guarantee (assure) success.' Grammatically, a common mistake is placing the recipient of the promise incorrectly. The standard structure is '向 [Person] 承诺', not '承诺 [Person]'.

Grammar Structure: Unlike English where you can say 'I promise you', in Chinese you must say 'I towards you promise' (我向你承诺).

Saying '我承诺你' is grammatically incorrect and sounds very unnatural to native speakers.

错误：我承诺你我会去。

By being mindful of the register, using the correct collocations, distinguishing it from similar words, and applying the proper grammatical structures, you can avoid these common pitfalls and use 承诺 with the confidence and accuracy of a native speaker.

正确：我向你承诺我会去。

Consistent practice and exposure to authentic materials will help solidify these rules in your mind.

To truly master the Chinese vocabulary surrounding the concept of promising and agreeing, it is essential to understand how 承诺 (chéngnuò) relates to and differs from its synonyms. This comparative analysis will help you choose the precise word for any given situation, enhancing both your comprehension and expression.

承诺 vs. 答应 (dāying): While both mean to agree or promise, 答应 is much more casual and is used for everyday requests and favors.

If someone asks you to help them move, you '答应' (agree) to help. It does not carry the heavy moral or contractual weight of 承诺.

他答应帮我搬家，但他没有承诺几点到。

承诺 is reserved for formal, serious, or long-term commitments, such as signing a contract or making a marriage vow. Another closely related word is 保证 (bǎozhèng).

承诺 vs. 保证 (bǎozhèng): 保证 translates closer to 'guarantee' or 'assure'. It focuses on the certainty of an outcome or the quality of something.

For instance, a seller might '保证' the quality of their goods. 承诺, however, focuses on the obligation to perform an action, regardless of the guaranteed outcome.

我承诺会去参加会议，但我不能保证不迟到。

This distinction is crucial in business and legal contexts where the difference between committing to an effort and guaranteeing a result can have significant implications. We must also consider 许诺 (xǔnuò).

承诺 vs. 许诺 (xǔnuò): 许诺 is very similar to 承诺 but often carries a slightly more literary or formal tone, and sometimes implies promising a reward or benefit.

While they can often be used interchangeably, 承诺 is much more common in modern, everyday professional and personal contexts.

政客们在竞选时总是做出许多承诺。

Lastly, 承担 (chéngdān) shares the first character with 承诺 and means 'to undertake' or 'to bear' (a responsibility or consequence). While 承诺 is the promise to do something, 承担 is the actual taking on of the burden or responsibility.

既然做出了承诺，就要承担相应的责任。

By understanding these subtle differences, you can navigate Chinese conversations with greater precision. Choosing the right word not only ensures that your meaning is clear but also demonstrates a high level of cultural and linguistic competence.

他的承诺比任何保证都可靠。

Continue to observe how native speakers use these terms in context to further refine your understanding.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

我承诺。

I promise.

Basic subject + verb structure.

这是一个承诺。

This is a promise.

Using 承诺 as a noun.

他承诺了。

He promised.

Adding 了 to indicate completed action.

我不承诺。

I do not promise.

Negation with 不.

你的承诺？

Your promise?

Possessive structure with 的.

好，我承诺。

Okay, I promise.

Simple agreement.

大承诺。

A big promise.

Adjective + noun.

谁的承诺？

Whose promise?

Question word 谁.

我向你承诺，我会来。

I promise you, I will come.

Structure: 向 + person + 承诺.

他承诺明天帮我。

He promised to help me tomorrow.

Verb followed by an action clause.

这是一个很重要的承诺。

This is a very important promise.

Adjective phrase modifying the noun.

你不能忘记你的承诺。

You cannot forget your promise.

Modal verb 不能 + verb + noun.

妈妈承诺给我买书。

Mom promised to buy me a book.

Subject + 承诺 + verb phrase.

他没有信守承诺。

He did not keep his promise.

Collocation: 信守承诺 (keep a promise).

我们承诺做好工作。

We promise to do the job well.

Verb + resultative complement (做好).

这是公司对客户的承诺。

This is the company's promise to the customer.

Structure: A 对 B 的承诺.

政府承诺今年会增加教育经费。

The government promised to increase education funding this year.

Formal subject + 承诺 + future action (会).

既然做出了承诺，就必须兑现。

Since a promise was made, it must be fulfilled.

Collocations: 做出承诺, 兑现.

违背承诺会让你失去朋友的信任。

Breaking a promise will make you lose your friends' trust.

Collocation: 违背承诺 (break a promise).

在签订合同之前，请仔细阅读所有的服务承诺。

Before signing the contract, please read all service commitments carefully.

Compound noun: 服务承诺.

他向妻子郑重承诺，以后再也不喝酒了。

He solemnly promised his wife that he would never drink again.

Adverbial modifier 郑重 (solemnly).

这是一个长期的承诺，需要我们共同努力。

This is a long-term commitment that requires our joint effort.

Adjective 长期 (long-term) modifying 承诺.

很多政客在竞选时许下的承诺最后都成了空头支票。

Many promises made by politicians during elections end up as empty checks.

Metaphorical usage: 空头支票 (empty check).

我无法给你任何承诺，因为未来充满不确定性。

I cannot give you any promises because the future is full of uncertainty.

Structure: 无法给...承诺.

该企业在环保方面做出了具有约束力的承诺。

The enterprise made binding commitments regarding environmental protection.

Complex modifier: 具有约束力的 (binding).

国际社会呼吁发达国家切实履行其减排承诺。

The international community calls on developed countries to earnestly fulfill their emission reduction commitments.

Formal vocabulary: 切实履行 (earnestly fulfill).

婚姻不仅仅是一纸婚书，更是双方对彼此一生的庄严承诺。

Marriage is not just a marriage certificate, but a solemn lifelong commitment to each other.

Advanced structure: 不仅仅是...更是...

面对公众的质疑，发言人重申了政府的初步承诺。

Facing public questioning, the spokesperson reiterated the government's initial commitment.

Collocation: 重申承诺 (reiterate a promise).

任何商业合作都建立在双方信守承诺的基础之上。

Any business cooperation is built on the foundation of both parties keeping their promises.

Structure: 建立在...基础之上.

轻易做出承诺而不去执行，是对他人极大的不尊重。

Making promises lightly without executing them is a great disrespect to others.

Adverb 轻易 (lightly/rashly).

为了挽回公司的声誉，CEO承诺将亲自调查此事。

To restore the company's reputation, the CEO promised to personally investigate the matter.

Purpose clause with 为了.

这份协议详细列出了甲乙双方的权利、义务和承诺。

This agreement details the rights, obligations, and commitments of Party A and Party B.

Legal terminology context.

在瞬息万变的商业环境中，恪守承诺是塑造企业核心竞争力的关键。

In a rapidly changing business environment, abiding by commitments is key to shaping an enterprise's core competitiveness.

Advanced collocation: 恪守承诺 (strictly abide by a promise).

他那番慷慨激昂的演讲，实际上不过是掩盖其虚假承诺的烟雾弹。

His impassioned speech was actually nothing more than a smokescreen to cover up his false promises.

Metaphorical usage: 烟雾弹 (smokescreen).

外交谈判中，任何口头承诺都必须转化为书面协议才具有实质意义。

In diplomatic negotiations, any verbal commitment must be translated into a written agreement to have substantive meaning.

Contrast: 口头承诺 (verbal) vs 书面协议 (written).

中国古人常说‘一诺千金’，可见承诺在传统道德体系中的分量。

Ancient Chinese often said 'a promise is worth a thousand in gold', showing the weight of commitment in the traditional moral system.

Integration of idiom 一诺千金.

该品牌因未能兑现其‘终身保修’的承诺而遭遇了严重的公关危机。

The brand faced a severe PR crisis due to its failure to honor its 'lifetime warranty' commitment.

Complex sentence with 因...而... structure.

在缺乏有效监督机制的情况下，单方面的承诺往往显得苍白无力。

In the absence of an effective supervision mechanism, unilateral commitments often appear pale and powerless.

Advanced vocabulary: 单方面 (unilateral), 苍白无力 (pale and powerless).

她以实际行动践行了自己当初许下的诺言，证明了承诺绝非儿戏。

She fulfilled her original promise with practical actions, proving that a commitment is by no means a trifling matter.

Formal verb 践行 (to fulfill/practice).

过度承诺不仅会透支个人的信誉，还可能导致团队目标的全面崩盘。

Over-committing will not only overdraw personal credibility but may also lead to a total collapse of team goals.

Concept of 过度承诺 (over-committing).

在契约精神尚未完全普及的乡土社会，熟人之间的口头承诺往往比一纸诉状更具约束力。

In rural societies where the spirit of contract is not yet fully popularized, verbal commitments among acquaintances are often more binding than a legal complaint.

Sociological context and complex comparative structure.

政治家们的竞选纲领，本质上是一种旨在最大化选票收益的制度性承诺，其兑现率受制于复杂的博弈环境。

Politicians' campaign platforms are essentially an institutional commitment aimed at maximizing vote returns, the fulfillment rate of which is constrained by a complex game environment.

Academic political science terminology.

从语用学角度审视，‘承诺’作为一种言语行为，其核心在于说话者通过发声使自身受制于未来的某种行动轨迹。

Examined from a pragmatic perspective, 'commitment' as a speech act has its core in the speaker subjecting themselves to a certain future trajectory of action through utterance.

Linguistic and philosophical analysis.

跨国企业在进行本土化战略时，必须审慎评估其对当地社区的社会责任承诺，以免陷入‘漂绿’的道德指控。

When multinational enterprises implement localization strategies, they must prudently evaluate their social responsibility commitments to local communities to avoid falling into moral accusations of 'greenwashing'.

Advanced business ethics vocabulary (漂绿 - greenwashing).

历史的教训反复告诫我们，建立在沙滩上的和平承诺，终将经不起现实利益冲突的惊涛骇浪。

The lessons of history repeatedly warn us that peace commitments built on sand will ultimately not withstand the terrifying waves of realistic interest conflicts.

Literary metaphor and highly formal rhetoric.

在解构主义思潮的冲击下，传统意义上坚不可摧的爱情承诺，似乎也逐渐被消解为一种流动且脆弱的瞬时体验。

Under the impact of deconstructivist trends, the traditionally indestructible commitment of love seems to be gradually dissolved into a fluid and fragile momentary experience.

Literary and philosophical critique.

法律文本中对于‘承诺’生效要件的严苛界定，旨在平衡意思自治与交易安全之间的内在张力。

The strict definition of the effective requirements of 'commitment' in legal texts aims to balance the internal tension between party autonomy and transaction security.

Highly specialized legal jargon.

他的一生，便是对那句无声承诺的漫长注解，其间的隐忍与坚守，早已超越了世俗功利的考量。

His whole life is a long annotation to that silent promise; the forbearance and persistence therein have long surpassed considerations of secular utility.

Poetic and deeply emotional literary expression.

Collocations courantes

做出承诺

信守承诺

违背承诺

兑现承诺

庄严承诺

郑重承诺

服务承诺

安全承诺

书面承诺

口头承诺

Phrases Courantes

向某人承诺

承诺会做某事

无法给出承诺

履行承诺

打破承诺

对未来的承诺

具有约束力的承诺

空洞的承诺

实现承诺

放弃承诺

Souvent confondu avec

承诺 vs 答应

承诺 vs 保证

承诺 vs 同意

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

承诺 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Implies a moral or contractual obligation, stronger than mere intent.

formality

High. Suitable for professional, legal, and serious personal contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Using 承诺 for casual, everyday agreements instead of 答应.
Saying '承诺某人' instead of the correct '向某人承诺'.
Following the verb 承诺 directly with a noun instead of a verb phrase.
Using '做' or '给' a promise instead of the correct collocations 做出 or 许下.
Confusing 承诺 (committing to an action) with 保证 (guaranteeing an outcome).

Astuces

Verb Phrase Follow-up

Always follow 承诺 (when used as a verb) with an action. Never follow it directly with a noun object. Think 'promise to do', not 'promise a thing'.

Collocation Mastery

Memorize the trio: 做出承诺 (make), 信守承诺 (keep), 违背承诺 (break). Knowing these three verbs will cover 90% of your noun-usage needs.

The Weight of Words

Understand that in Chinese business culture, a verbal 承诺 from a high-ranking official is often treated as seriously as a written contract. Don't make them lightly.

Nailing the Tones

Pay special attention to the 4th tone on 诺 (nuò). A strong, falling tone conveys the decisiveness and seriousness required when making a promise.

Formal Writing

When writing formal emails or essays, prefer 承诺 over 答应 to elevate the register of your text and sound more professional.

The 'Xiang' Preposition

Never say '我承诺你'. Always use '我向你承诺'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers translating directly.

Promise vs Guarantee

If you are sure of a result, use 保证. If you are committing to the effort or action regardless of the guaranteed result, use 承诺.

Golden Promises

Drop the idiom 一诺千金 into a conversation about trust or business to instantly impress native speakers with your cultural knowledge.

News Contexts

When listening to Chinese news, hear 承诺 as a signal that the speaker is about to list future policy goals or corporate initiatives.

Adjective Pairings

To make your writing more expressive, pair the noun 承诺 with adjectives like 庄严的 (solemn), 虚假的 (false), or 空洞的 (empty).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine CARRYING (承 - chéng) a heavy box full of your WORDS/PROMISES (诺 - nuò). A commitment is a heavy burden you carry.

Origine du mot

承 means to hold up or undertake. 诺 originally meant to answer or agree verbally. Together, they evolved to mean taking on the responsibility of an agreement.

Contexte culturel

Essential in negotiations. A 'verbal commitment' (口头承诺) is taken very seriously, though written ones are preferred.

Frequently used in government reports to assure the public of policy goals.

Used for serious relationship milestones, like marriage vows or long-term support.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"你觉得在现代社会，口头承诺还有用吗？"

"你曾经违背过对别人的承诺吗？为什么？"

"公司对员工的承诺，最重要的是什么？"

"你认为‘一诺千金’在商业中还适用吗？"

"如果朋友打破了对你的承诺，你会怎么做？"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you made a difficult promise and kept it.

Write about a broken promise that affected you deeply.

What commitments do you think a government owes its citizens?

How do you differentiate between a casual agreement and a serious commitment?

Write a letter to your future self making three major commitments.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is generally too formal for such trivial matters. Using 承诺 to promise a phone call sounds overly dramatic. For everyday favors, it is much better to use 答应 (dāying) or simply say '我会的' (I will). Reserve 承诺 for things that carry significant weight or consequences.

承诺 can be used as both a verb (to promise) and a noun (a commitment). 诺言 (nuòyán) is strictly a noun meaning 'a promise' or 'words of a promise'. You can say 做出承诺 or 许下诺言, but you cannot use 诺言 as an action.

The most common and formal way to say 'break a promise' is 违背承诺 (wéibèi chéngnuò). You can also use 打破承诺 (dǎpò chéngnuò), though 违背 is more standard in written Chinese. Another common idiom is 食言 (shíyán - to eat one's words).

Yes, absolutely. 承诺 is a standard term in Chinese contracts and legal agreements to outline the binding obligations of the parties involved. You will frequently see phrases like '甲方承诺...' (Party A undertakes to...).

No, when used as a verb, 承诺 must be followed by a verb phrase detailing the action being promised. You cannot say '我承诺一辆车' (I promise a car). You must say '我承诺给你买一辆车' (I promise to buy you a car).

一诺千金 (yī nuò qiān jīn) is a famous Chinese idiom that literally translates to 'one promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold'. It is used to describe someone who is highly trustworthy and always keeps their word.

If you want to specify who you are making the promise to, you must use the preposition 向 (xiàng) before the recipient. The structure is '向 [Person] 承诺'. You cannot say '承诺 [Person]' directly.

Yes, you can use 了 (le) immediately after 承诺 to indicate that the act of making the promise has been completed (e.g., 他承诺了会来 - He promised he would come). However, do not use 了 in the clause describing the future action being promised.

The standard collocations for 'keeping a promise' are 信守承诺 (xìnshǒu chéngnuò) or 兑现承诺 (duìxiàn chéngnuò). 兑现 literally means to cash a check, metaphorically meaning to fulfill the obligation.

承诺 itself is neutral; it simply describes the act of making a commitment. However, keeping a 承诺 is viewed highly positively, while breaking one carries a strong negative stigma in Chinese culture.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 承诺 to promise a friend you will help them tomorrow.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

我向你承诺，我明天一定会帮你。