Making concessions involves yielding ground in a dispute or negotiation to achieve a resolution or maintain a relationship.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To yield or compromise in a negotiation or conflict.
- Giving up some demands to reach an agreement.
- A strategic move for harmony or mutual benefit.
Overview
“让步”是一个描述在协商、冲突或关系中妥协行为的动词。它意味着主动或被动地在自己的主张、利益或立场上退后一步，以缓和局势、达成共识或维持关系。让步并不总是表示软弱，有时也是一种策略，为了长远利益或更重要的目标而暂时放弃眼前的一部分。
“让步”常与表示谈判、协议、冲突、争执等场景的词语搭配使用。它可以表示“做出让步”（主动妥协）或“要求让步”（希望对方妥协）。其对象可以是具体的利益（如价格、条款），也可以是抽象的立场或观点（如原则、决定）。
**法律诉讼**: 双方在庭外和解时，各自放弃一部分诉求。
“妥协”更侧重于双方都做出让步以达成协议，强调的是一种相互的、平衡的退让，常用于正式场合。而“让步”可以指单方面的退让，也可以是双方的，更广泛地描述了退让的行为本身。
“迁就”指为了照顾对方而委屈自己，满足对方的要求，有时带有“勉强”的意味，侧重于顺应对方，而“让步”则更侧重于在立场上的后退。
“退让”与“让步”非常接近，都表示后退、放弃一部分主张。但“退让”可能更强调因压力或形势所迫而不得不退后，有时略带消极意味，而“让步”则可以更中性，甚至包含主动的策略性考量。
Examples
为了缓和两国关系，双方同意在贸易问题上做出一定的让步。
formalTo ease bilateral relations, both sides agreed to make certain concessions on trade issues.
他是个很固执的人，很少在争论中让步。
neutralHe's a very stubborn person and rarely gives in during arguments.
好吧，这次我就让你一步，下次你得听我的。
informalAlright, I'll give in to you this time, but next time you have to listen to me.
在合同谈判的最后阶段，他们不得不对付款条款做出关键性的让步。
businessIn the final stage of contract negotiation, they had to make a crucial concession on the payment terms.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
不肯让步
unwilling to concede
做出让步
make a concession
互相让步
make mutual concessions
Often Confused With
Compromise often implies a mutual agreement where both parties give up something to reach a middle ground. '让步' (ràngbù) can describe a one-sided yielding, although it can also be mutual.
'退让' emphasizes backing down or yielding, sometimes due to pressure or a desire to avoid conflict. '让步' is broader and can include strategic or willing concessions.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb '让步' (ràngbù) is commonly used in contexts involving negotiations, disputes, or disagreements. It can be used neutrally to describe the act of yielding, or it can carry connotations of weakness or strength depending on the context and the speaker's intent. It is frequently paired with verbs like '做出' (zuòchū - to make) or used with negative constructions like '不肯' (bù kěn - unwilling to).
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '让步' in situations where a simple agreement or understanding is reached without any actual yielding of positions. It's important to distinguish between genuine concessions and simple cooperation or agreement. Also, confusing its nuance with '妥协' or '退让' can lead to slightly inaccurate expressions.
Tips
Understand the Goal of Yielding
Before making a concession, clarify what you hope to achieve. Is it to close a deal, maintain peace, or preserve a relationship?
Avoid Excessive Concessions
Constantly giving in can be perceived as weakness and may lead to others taking advantage of you. Know your limits.
Harmony Over Confrontation
In many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, maintaining harmony and avoiding direct confrontation is highly valued, making concessions a common and often necessary social lubricant.
Word Origin
The character '让' (ràng) means to allow, yield, or let someone else go first. '步' (bù) means step or pace. Together, '让步' literally suggests 'yielding a step' or 'allowing the other side to advance', signifying a withdrawal from one's original position.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, where maintaining social harmony (和气生财 - héqi shēngcái, harmony brings wealth) is often prioritized, the ability to make concessions can be seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. It helps to preserve relationships and avoid unnecessary conflict, which are highly valued.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tug-of-war rope ('让' - let go/allow) where one side has to loosen their grip ('步' - step/footing) to prevent the rope from breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“让步”可以指一方或双方的退让，强调的是在立场或要求上的后退。而“妥协”通常指双方都做出让步，以达成协议，更强调相互性。
当继续坚持己见可能导致冲突升级、关系破裂，或者为了达成更重要的目标（如和平、合作、长期利益）时，人们会选择让步。
不一定。虽然有时让步可能意味着放弃一些东西，但它也可以是一种积极的策略，用于建立信任、促进合作或避免不必要的对抗。
例如：为了尽快签下合同，公司不得不对价格做出了很大的让步。在家庭生活中，夫妻双方都需要学会互相让步。
Test Yourself
为了达成协议，双方在价格上都必须做出一定的（ ）。
句意是双方都需要在价格上退让以达成协议，‘让步’最符合语境。
在激烈的争论后，他最终决定不再坚持自己的观点，而是选择（ ）。
‘让步’表示在争论中退让，以求得和解或结束争执。
请用下列词语组成一个通顺的句子：需要 / 很多 / 让步 / 才能 / 成功 / 谈判
这个句子结构完整，逻辑清晰，表达了‘谈判成功需要双方付出较多妥协’的意思。
Score: /3
Summary
Making concessions involves yielding ground in a dispute or negotiation to achieve a resolution or maintain a relationship.
- To yield or compromise in a negotiation or conflict.
- Giving up some demands to reach an agreement.
- A strategic move for harmony or mutual benefit.
Understand the Goal of Yielding
Before making a concession, clarify what you hope to achieve. Is it to close a deal, maintain peace, or preserve a relationship?
Avoid Excessive Concessions
Constantly giving in can be perceived as weakness and may lead to others taking advantage of you. Know your limits.
Harmony Over Confrontation
In many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, maintaining harmony and avoiding direct confrontation is highly valued, making concessions a common and often necessary social lubricant.
Examples
4 of 4为了缓和两国关系，双方同意在贸易问题上做出一定的让步。
To ease bilateral relations, both sides agreed to make certain concessions on trade issues.
他是个很固执的人，很少在争论中让步。
He's a very stubborn person and rarely gives in during arguments.
好吧，这次我就让你一步，下次你得听我的。
Alright, I'll give in to you this time, but next time you have to listen to me.
在合同谈判的最后阶段，他们不得不对付款条款做出关键性的让步。
In the final stage of contract negotiation, they had to make a crucial concession on the payment terms.
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