Credit is the currency of trust in both personal character and financial dealings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the quality of being honest and keeping promises.
- Used in finance for credit limits and repayment history.
- Essential for building social and business relationships.
1) 概述：信用（xìnyòng）是社会生活中人与人之间建立信任的基础。从道德层面看，它是指一个人是否言而有信；从经济层面看，它是指金融机构对个人还款能力的评估。
2) 使用模式：作为名词，它常与动词搭配。例如“建立信用”、“失去信用”或“透支信用”。在金融场景中，它常与“卡”（信用卡）或“贷款”连用。
3) 常见语境：在日常生活中，我们常说某人“讲信用”，表示他守时守信。在商务活动中，信用是合同执行的前提。随着数字化发展，“社会信用记录”已成为衡量个人诚信的重要指标。
4) 近义词比较：与“信任”相比，“信用”更侧重于客观的契约精神和还款能力，而“信任”更侧重于心理上的依赖感。例如，你可以“信任”一个朋友，但不一定在经济上与他有“信用”往来。
Examples
他是一个很讲信用的人。
everydayHe is a person who keeps his word.
我们要维护企业的商业信用。
formalWe must maintain the company's business credit.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
信用良好
Good credit standing
透支信用
Overdraw one's credit (metaphorically)
Often Confused With
Trust (信任) is a feeling of reliance on someone's character. Credit (信用) is more about the record of keeping promises or financial reliability.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Credit is used in both formal business settings and casual daily conversation. It functions primarily as a noun. Be careful to distinguish it from the verb 'to trust'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '信任' when they mean '信用' in financial contexts. Remember that '信用' is for formal promises and money, while '信任' is for personal relationships.
Tips
Focus on the context of actions
Always observe if the word is used in a moral sense or a financial sense. This helps in understanding whether it refers to character or money.
Don't confuse credit with trust
While related, credit (信用) often implies a formal or measurable standard, whereas trust (信任) is more about personal belief.
The importance of reputation
In Chinese culture, 'losing credit' (失去信用) is seen as a severe character flaw that can ruin personal and professional relationships.
Word Origin
The word combines '信' (trust/believe) and '用' (use/application). It suggests the practical application of trust in social and economic interactions.
Cultural Context
In China, the 'Social Credit System' is a significant government initiative. It highlights how the concept of 'credit' has expanded from personal character to a nationwide scoring system.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Credit Card' (信用卡) which literally translates to 'Credit Card'. It relies on the 'Credit' (信用) you have built with the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions通常看他是否言出必行，以及在借贷或承诺事项上是否能按时履行义务。社会信用体系也会通过记录来量化个人的信用水平。
“信任”是主观的心理认同，而“信用”更多是指客观的履约能力和道德记录。前者偏向情感，后者偏向契约。
因为信用降低了社会交易的成本。当人们相信对方会守约时，合作就能更高效地进行，无需过多的防备。
Test Yourself
他是一个非常讲___的人，答应的事情一定会做到。
“讲信用”是一个固定搭配，表示守承诺。
Score: /1
Summary
Credit is the currency of trust in both personal character and financial dealings.
- Refers to the quality of being honest and keeping promises.
- Used in finance for credit limits and repayment history.
- Essential for building social and business relationships.
Focus on the context of actions
Always observe if the word is used in a moral sense or a financial sense. This helps in understanding whether it refers to character or money.
Don't confuse credit with trust
While related, credit (信用) often implies a formal or measurable standard, whereas trust (信任) is more about personal belief.
The importance of reputation
In Chinese culture, 'losing credit' (失去信用) is seen as a severe character flaw that can ruin personal and professional relationships.
Examples
2 of 2他是一个很讲信用的人。
He is a person who keeps his word.
我们要维护企业的商业信用。
We must maintain the company's business credit.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More business words
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
会计
A2accounting, accountant
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
