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A2 noun #1,400 most common 12 min read

信用

xinyong Top 1,400

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 信用 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 信用 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 信用 in the context of shopping and basic needs. The most important term for you is 信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ), which means 'credit card.' You might hear a cashier ask '你可以用信用卡吗？' (Can you use a credit card?). At this stage, think of 信用 as a word related to money and cards. It is a noun that helps you pay for things when you don't have cash. You don't need to worry about the deep philosophical meanings yet. Just remember that '信' is like 'information' or 'message' and '用' is 'to use.' In a simple way, a credit card is a card you 'use' based on the 'information' the bank has about you. You will also see this word in apps when you look at payment options. If you go to a bank to open an account, the staff might mention this word. Focus on the physical 'card' aspect first. It is one of the most useful words for a traveler in China. Even though mobile payments like Alipay are common, the term for credit-linked payments still uses this word. Keep your sentences simple, like '我有信用卡' (I have a credit card) or '他没有信用卡' (He doesn't have a credit card).

At the A2 level, you start to see 信用 as a character trait, not just a card. You will learn the phrase 讲信用 (jiǎng xìnyòng), which means 'to keep one's word' or 'to be trustworthy.' If you have a friend who always arrives on time and does what they say, you can say '他很讲信用' (He is very trustworthy). This is an important social skill in Chinese culture. You will also encounter the term 信用记录 (xìnyòng jìlù), which means 'credit record.' If you want to rent an apartment or buy a phone on a plan, people might talk about your 信用. You should understand that 信用 is a noun that describes a record of behavior. You can have 'good credit' (信用好) or 'bad credit' (信用不好). At this level, you should be able to use the word to describe people's reliability in basic daily situations. For example, '借钱要还，这是讲信用' (Borrowing money and returning it is being trustworthy). You are beginning to move from the 'financial object' (the card) to the 'social concept' (the trust). It is also used in online shopping ratings. When you buy something on Taobao, you look at the seller's 信用 to see if they are a good seller. This helps you make safe choices while living or shopping in a Chinese environment.

At the B1 level, you should use 信用 in more complex sentences involving business and social responsibility. You will learn words like 信用评级 (credit rating) and 信用额度 (credit limit). You should be able to discuss the consequences of having poor credit, such as '如果信用不好，银行不会借给你钱' (If your credit is not good, the bank will not lend you money). You will also notice the word in formal news reports about the social credit system. You should understand the difference between 信用 and 信任 (trust). For instance, 信任 is a feeling, but 信用 is a history or a record. You can say '我信任他，因为他一向讲信用' (I trust him because he has always been trustworthy). At this stage, you are expected to use 信用 in professional contexts. If you are working in a Chinese office, you might discuss the 信用 of a client or a supplier. You should also be familiar with idioms like '言而有信' (to be as good as one's word), which is a more advanced way of expressing 信用. You are now looking at 信用 as a form of 'social capital' that needs to be built and protected. You might write a short paragraph about why honesty is important in business using this word. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the systems that manage 信用, not just the word itself.

At the B2 level, you can discuss 信用 in the context of economics, law, and social policy. You will understand terms like 信用危机 (credit crisis) and 信用风险 (credit risk). You should be able to explain how the credit system works in your own country compared to China. For example, you might discuss how '信用体系对现代经济至关重要' (The credit system is vital to the modern economy). You can use the word to describe abstract concepts like '政府的信用' (the credibility of the government) or '企业的商业信用' (a company's commercial credit). You will also encounter the word in legal documents and contracts. At this level, you should be comfortable using 信用 as a modifier for many other nouns. You can participate in a debate about the pros and cons of the social credit system, using terms like '个人隐私' (personal privacy) and '社会管理' (social management) alongside 信用. You understand that 信用 is not just a personal trait but a structural necessity for large-scale cooperation. Your ability to use the word in formal writing, such as business proposals or academic essays, should be well-developed. You can analyze how 信用 affects international trade, particularly through the use of 信用证 (Letters of Credit). You are moving into the realm of professional and intellectual discourse.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and philosophical roots of 信用. You can discuss how the Confucian concept of '信' (trust/sincerity) evolved into the modern institutionalized 信用. You are able to read complex financial reports that analyze 信用违约掉期 (Credit Default Swaps) or 信用利差 (credit spreads). You can use the word in nuanced ways, such as discussing the '信用膨胀' (credit expansion) or '信用紧缩' (credit crunch) in an economy. In literature, you can analyze how a character's 信用—or lack thereof—drives the plot and reflects societal values. You understand the subtle differences between 信用, 信誉, 诚信, and 声誉 and can choose the exact right word for the context. Your spoken Chinese is fluid enough to discuss the ethics of credit-based societies without hesitation. You might lead a seminar or give a presentation on '信用在数字时代的转型' (The transformation of credit in the digital age). You are also aware of regional differences in how 信用 is perceived and managed. You can navigate high-level business negotiations where 信用 is the primary currency. At this stage, 信用 is a tool for sophisticated analysis and expression, reflecting your mastery of both the language and the underlying culture.

At the C2 level, your command of 信用 is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can engage in philosophical inquiries into the nature of trust as a foundation for civilization, using 信用 as a central term. You are capable of drafting legal frameworks or policy papers regarding 信用监管 (credit regulation). You can appreciate and use classical Chinese references to trust, such as quoting from the Analects about '信' to explain modern 信用 concepts. You understand the most technical aspects of 信用 in finance, including complex derivatives and sovereign credit issues. You can write persuasive editorials for major newspapers about the impact of technology on 信用 systems. Your understanding includes the psychological, sociological, and economic dimensions of the word. You can detect subtle irony or sarcasm when the word is used in political or social commentary. For you, 信用 is not just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which you understand the complexities of human interaction and institutional design. You can switch effortlessly between the colloquial, professional, and academic registers of the word. Whether you are discussing a simple '信用卡' or the '全球信用治理体系' (global credit governance system), your usage is precise, culturally resonant, and authoritative.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

信用 in 30 Seconds

信用 (xìnyòng) means 'credit' or 'trustworthiness.' It is a noun used for both money and personal character.
Commonly used in '信用卡' (credit card) and '讲信用' (to keep one's word). It is vital for business and social life.
It differs from '信任' (to trust) because '信用' is the record or reputation, not the feeling of trust itself.
In modern China, it is also linked to the 'Social Credit System,' affecting many aspects of daily life and travel.

The Chinese word 信用 (xìnyòng) is a foundational concept in both interpersonal relationships and the modern financial world. At its core, it represents the intersection of trust and utility. In a social context, it refers to a person's trustworthiness or their commitment to keeping their word. When someone says you are a person with 信用, they are complimenting your integrity and your history of fulfilling promises. In a financial context, it translates directly to 'credit'—your ability to borrow money or access services based on the belief that you will pay back what you owe in the future.

Interpersonal Trust: This refers to the moral quality of being reliable. If you borrow a book and return it on time, you are building your personal 信用. In Chinese culture, this is closely tied to the concept of 'face' and social standing.
Financial Credit: This refers to the institutionalized system of lending. It appears in terms like 信用卡 (credit card) and 信用评级 (credit rating). It is a quantifiable measure of risk used by banks and businesses.

Historically, the first character 信 (xìn) depicts a person (人) standing next to their words (言), symbolizing that a person's character is defined by the truthfulness of their speech. The second character 用 (yòng) means 'to use' or 'utility.' Together, they imply that trust is something that can be 'used' or 'applied' in society to facilitate cooperation and trade. Without 信用, the wheels of commerce and social harmony would grind to a halt.

做生意最重要的是讲信用。(The most important thing in doing business is to be trustworthy.)

In modern China, the term has taken on even greater significance with the development of social credit systems. It is no longer just about whether your friends trust you, but whether the digital records of your behavior—ranging from paying bills on time to following traffic laws—reflect a high level of 信用. This word is ubiquitous in news reports, bank advertisements, and daily conversations about reliability.

如果你的信用不好，就很难申请到贷款。(If your credit is not good, it will be very hard to apply for a loan.)

Furthermore, 信用 extends to the reputation of organizations and governments. A company with high 信用 is one that consumers trust to provide quality products and honor warranties. This collective trust is what allows for complex economic interactions, such as online shopping where you pay for an item before it arrives at your door. The entire e-commerce ecosystem in China, led by platforms like Alibaba and JD.com, is built on sophisticated 信用 mechanisms.

他的个人信用记录上没有任何污点。(There are no stains on his personal credit record.)

Usage in Daily Life: You will see this word on every credit card application form. You will also hear parents telling their children to be 讲信用 (to keep promises) so they grow up to be respected adults.

这家商店的信用很高，你可以放心购买。(This store has a high reputation/credit; you can buy with confidence.)

失掉信用是最大的损失。(Losing one's credit/trustworthiness is the greatest loss.)

Using 信用 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that can function in various grammatical structures. It often appears as the object of verbs like 讲 (to emphasize/keep), 建立 (to build), 破坏 (to destroy), or 恢复 (to restore). It also frequently acts as a modifier for other nouns, creating compound terms like 信用卡 (credit card) or 信用评分 (credit score). In Chinese, we don't 'have' credit in the same way we 'have' a physical object; rather, we 'possess' a status of credit or we 'act according to' credit.

Verb + 信用: 讲信用 (to be trustworthy), 守信用 (to keep one's word), 失去信用 (to lose credit), 损害信用 (to damage credit).
信用 + Noun: 信用等级 (credit level), 信用制度 (credit system), 信用危机 (credit crisis), 信用证 (letter of credit).

When describing a person's character, 信用 is used to discuss their reliability. For example, '他是一个讲信用的人' (He is a person who keeps his word). Here, 讲信用 acts as an adjectival phrase modifying 'person.' If you want to talk about a bank's assessment of a customer, you might say '他的信用很好' (His credit is very good). Notice how the context determines whether we are talking about moral character or financial reliability.

如果你不按时还钱，你的信用会受损。(If you don't pay back money on time, your credit will be damaged.)

In formal business Chinese, 信用 is often used to describe the standing of a corporation. Phrases like '商业信用' (commercial credit) refer to the trust between businesses that allows for delayed payments or 'buy now, pay later' arrangements. In international trade, the '信用证' (L/C) is a crucial document where a bank guarantees a buyer's payment to a seller, demonstrating how 信用 is institutionalized into legal and financial frameworks.

建立良好的信用需要很多年，但破坏它只需要一分钟。(Building good credit takes many years, but destroying it takes only a minute.)

Another common usage is in the phrase '信用合作社' (credit union), which are cooperative financial institutions. This shows the word's versatility in naming organizations based on mutual trust. In the digital age, '信用' has also moved into the realm of data. App features like '芝麻信用' (Sesame Credit) use algorithms to give users a score, which then determines their eligibility for deposit-free rentals or faster visa processing. This has made the word a daily topic for millions of young people in China.

我们要共同维护社会的信用体系。(We must jointly maintain the social credit system.)

Comparative Usage: Compared to 信任 (xìnrèn - trust), 信用 is more about the 'record' or 'history' of being trustworthy, while 信任 is the feeling or act of trusting someone. You 'give' 信任, but you 'build' 信用.

由于他多次撒谎，他已经彻底丧失了信用。(Because he lied many times, he has completely lost his credibility/trustworthiness.)

银行在发放贷款前会仔细检查申请人的信用记录。(Banks will carefully check the applicant's credit record before issuing a loan.)

You will encounter 信用 in a variety of environments, from the sterile halls of a bank to the bustling atmosphere of an open-air market. Its ubiquity stems from the fact that it bridges the gap between formal economics and informal social contracts. If you are living in China or interacting with Chinese speakers, understanding where this word pops up will help you navigate social and financial expectations more effectively.

At the Bank: This is the most obvious place. You will hear staff discuss 信用卡额度 (credit card limits) or 信用报告 (credit reports). If you are applying for a mortgage (房贷), the clerk will emphasize the importance of your 信用记录.
In Business Negotiations: Partners will often say '我们非常看重贵公司的信用' (We value your company's credit/reputation highly). This is a way of saying they trust you enough to sign a contract or enter a partnership.

In the digital world, 信用 is everywhere. When using apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, you might see prompts for '信用付' (Credit Pay) or '信用分' (Credit Score). For example, a high score might allow you to rent a power bank or a bicycle without paying a deposit (免押金). In these instances, 信用 is literally functioning as a substitute for cash. You will hear people say '我的信用分够了' (My credit score is high enough) to unlock these perks.

这家公司的信用评级被下调了。(This company's credit rating was downgraded.)

On a more personal level, the word is used when friends or family members discuss someone's character. If someone is known for breaking promises, you might hear '他这个人没信用' (He has no credit/is not trustworthy). This is a serious social indictment. Conversely, being called '讲信用' is one of the highest forms of praise for a person's integrity. You might hear elders telling stories about historical figures who were so 讲信用 that they would die rather than break a promise.

政府正在努力提高公众的信用意识。(The government is working hard to improve public credit awareness.)

In schools and universities, 信用 can also relate to academic integrity. While '诚信' (chéngxìn) is more common for 'honesty,' 信用 is sometimes used to discuss the validity of certificates or the standing of an institution. For example, '这所学校的文凭很有信用' (The diplomas from this school have high credibility). This means the degrees are widely recognized and trusted by employers.

因为信用问题，他的账户被冻结了。(His account was frozen due to credit issues.)

In E-commerce: Sellers on Taobao or Tmall strive for high 信用 ratings. A seller with many 'crowns' or 'diamonds' has high 信用, meaning they have a history of successful transactions and happy customers.

请保护好您的个人信用，不要逾期还款。(Please protect your personal credit; do not make late payments.)

这份报告详细分析了当前的信用风险。(This report analyzes the current credit risks in detail.)

For English speakers, the primary difficulty with 信用 lies in distinguishing it from other 'trust-related' words in Chinese. While English uses 'credit' and 'trustworthiness' in specific ways, Chinese has a suite of words like 信任 (xìnrèn), 信心 (xìnxīn), and 诚信 (chéngxìn) that overlap but are not interchangeable. A common mistake is using 信用 as a verb or using it in a context where only the emotional aspect of trust is intended.

Confusing 信用 with 信任: 信任 is a verb meaning 'to trust' and a noun meaning 'trust.' You can say '我信任你' (I trust you). You cannot say '我信用你.' 信用 is the reputation or record that makes someone worth trusting.
Confusing 信用 with 信心: 信心 means 'confidence' or 'faith.' For example, '我对未来有信心' (I have confidence in the future). This is internal and psychological, whereas 信用 is external and social/financial.

Another frequent error is the grammatical placement of 信用. Because it is a noun, it cannot directly modify a verb without a preposition or without being part of a set phrase. For instance, learners often try to say '他信用做事' to mean 'He works with integrity.' The correct way would be '他做事很讲信用' (He is very trustworthy in the way he does things). The verb 讲 (jiǎng) is essential here to link the quality to the action.

Incorrect: 我信用我的朋友。
Correct: 我信任我的朋友。(I trust my friend.)

In the financial realm, learners sometimes confuse 信用 (credit) with 贷款 (loan). While they are related, a 贷款 is the actual money you receive, whereas 信用 is the status or ability that allows you to get that money. You don't 'spend' your 信用, though your actions can 'consume' or 'deplete' it over time. You 'use' your 信用 to get a 贷款.

Incorrect: 他的信用卡额度很高。
Correct: 他的信用卡额度很高。(His credit card limit is very high.) - Note: 信用卡 is a single compound word.

Finally, avoid the mistake of thinking 信用 only applies to money. If you tell a friend you will meet them at 5 PM and you show up at 6 PM, you are damaging your 信用 in their eyes. In Chinese, the concept of 'keeping one's word' (言而有信) is the fundamental basis of 信用. It is as much a social currency as it is a financial one. Learners who only use the word in a banking context miss out on its rich cultural and social utility.

不要因为一点小利益就丢掉你的信用。(Don't throw away your credit/trustworthiness for a small profit.)

Common Confusion: 信用 vs 信誉: 信誉 (xìnyù) refers more to 'prestige' or 'reputation' of a brand or person. While 信用 is about the ability to fulfill obligations, 信誉 is the public's general opinion of those abilities.

他在朋友圈里很有信用。(He is very trustworthy among his circle of friends.)

失去信用的人很难在社会上立足。(People who lose their credit/trustworthiness find it hard to establish themselves in society.)

To truly master 信用, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of trust and reputation. Chinese has several words that translate to 'trust' or 'credit' in English, but they carry different shades of meaning and are used in different registers. By learning these alternatives, you can express yourself more precisely and understand the nuances in native speech and writing.

信任 (xìnrèn): The most common word for 'trust.' It is a verb and a noun. It focuses on the emotional and psychological act of believing in someone. Example: '我信任他的能力' (I trust his ability).
信誉 (xìnyù): Translates to 'prestige' or 'reputation.' It is often used for businesses (商业信誉). While 信用 is about the record of fulfilling duties, 信誉 is the status gained from that record.
诚信 (chéngxìn): A more formal word meaning 'integrity' or 'honesty.' It is a core socialist value in China and is often used in moral education. Example: '诚信经营' (honest business operations).

When should you use 信用 instead of these? Use 信用 when you are talking about a specific track record, especially one involving financial or contractual obligations. If you are talking about how you feel about a person, use 信任. If you are talking about the long-term standing of a famous brand like Apple or Huawei, use 信誉. If you are discussing a person's moral philosophy, use 诚信.

虽然他很有信用，但我还是不能完全信任他。(Although he has good credit/is trustworthy, I still cannot completely trust him.)

In some contexts, you might also see 声誉 (shēngyù), which means 'fame' or 'reputation.' This is even broader than 信誉 and can apply to artists, scientists, or schools. Another related term is 可靠 (kěkào), an adjective meaning 'reliable.' You can say '他是一个可靠的人' (He is a reliable person), which is a simpler, more colloquial way of saying someone is 讲信用.

这家百年老店有着极高的商业信誉。(This century-old shop has an extremely high commercial reputation.)

Finally, there is the term 凭证 (píngzhèng), meaning 'proof' or 'voucher.' In some historical contexts, 信用 acts as a 凭证 for future payment. Understanding these connections helps you see how 信用 fits into the broader landscape of Chinese social and economic life. Whether you are dealing with banks or building friendships, knowing which word to choose shows a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.

我们要努力做一个诚信守法的公民。(We should strive to be honest and law-abiding citizens.)

Summary of Differences: 信用 = Record/Credit; 信任 = Feeling/Act of trusting; 信誉 = Public reputation; 诚信 = Moral integrity; 可靠 = Adjective for 'reliable'.

他的信用额度已经达到了上限。(His credit limit has reached the maximum.)

这笔交易是基于双方的信用基础之上的。(This transaction is based on the foundation of mutual credit.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the character 信, the left side is 'person' (人) and the right side is 'words' (言). This literally means 'a person's words,' implying that a person is only as good as what they say.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃiːn jʊŋ/

US /ʃin jɔŋ/

The stress is balanced on both syllables, with the fourth tone on 'xìn' and the fourth tone on 'yòng'.

Rhymes With

信 (xìn) rhymes with 进 (jìn), 近 (jìn), 尽 (jìn). 用 (yòng) rhymes with 动 (dòng), 送 (sòng), 痛 (tòng), 梦 (mèng), 弄 (nòng), 众 (zhòng), 重 (zhòng), 洞 (dòng).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'x' as 'z' or 's'.
Pronouncing 'i' as a short 'i' instead of 'ee'.
Mixing up the tones (both are 4th tone).
Pronouncing 'yong' as 'young'.
Failing to nasalize the 'ng' at the end of 'yòng'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple to recognize after some study.

Writing 3/5

信 and 用 are common characters, but writing them balanced takes practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Easily distinguishable in context due to its distinct sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

信 (xìn) 用 (yòng) 人 (rén) 钱 (qián) 好 (hǎo)

Learn Next

信任 (xìnrèn) 贷款 (dàikuǎn) 利息 (lìxī) 合同 (hétóng) 诚信 (chéngxìn)

Advanced

信用违约掉期 (CDS) 主权信用评级征信系统破产 (bankruptcy) 抵押 (collateral)

Grammar to Know

Noun as Modifier

信用 (Noun) + 卡 (Noun) = 信用卡 (Credit Card)

Verb + Noun Object

讲 (Verb) + 信用 (Noun) = 讲信用 (To be trustworthy)

Adjective + Noun

良好的 (Adjective) + 信用 (Noun) = 良好的信用 (Good credit)

Subject + 很 + Noun (as quality)

他 (Subject) + 很 (Adverb) + 讲信用 (Phrase as predicate).

Conditionals with 信用

如果... 信用就会... (If... then credit will...)

Examples by Level

我有一张信用卡。

I have a credit card.

信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ) is a noun meaning credit card.

你可以用信用卡付钱吗？

Can you use a credit card to pay?

用...付钱 means 'to pay with...'

这张信用卡是我的。

This credit card is mine.

是...的 indicates possession.

他没有信用卡。

He doesn't have a credit card.

没有 means 'do not have'.

哪里可以办信用卡？

Where can I apply for a credit card?

办 (bàn) here means 'to apply for' or 'to handle'.

我的信用卡丢了。

My credit card is lost.

丢了 (diū le) means 'lost'.

请给我你的信用卡。

Please give me your credit card.

给我 means 'give to me'.

信用卡很方便。

Credit cards are very convenient.

很方便 means 'very convenient'.

他是一个讲信用的人。

He is a person who keeps his word.

讲信用 (jiǎng xìnyòng) is a common phrase for 'trustworthy'.

借钱要还，要讲信用。

Borrow money and return it; you must be trustworthy.

要 (yào) here means 'must' or 'should'.

他的信用记录很好。

His credit record is very good.

信用记录 (xìnyòng jìlù) means credit record.

如果不还钱，你的信用会不好。

If you don't pay back the money, your credit will be bad.

如果...会... means 'If... then will...'

这家商店很有信用。

This store is very trustworthy.

很有信用 means 'possesses high credibility'.

我非常讲信用，请相信我。

I am very trustworthy, please believe me.

相信 (xiāngxìn) is the verb 'to believe'.

信用对每个人都很重要。

Credit is very important to everyone.

对...很重要 means 'is important to...'

你的信用分是多少？

What is your credit score?

信用分 (xìnyòng fēn) means credit score.

他在银行的信用额度是五万元。

His credit limit at the bank is 50,000 yuan.

信用额度 (xìnyòng édù) means credit limit.

公司非常看重商业信用。

The company values commercial credit very much.

看重 (kànzhòng) means 'to value' or 'to think highly of'.

如果你逾期还款，会影响你的信用。

If you make a late payment, it will affect your credit.

影响 (yǐngxiǎng) means 'to affect' or 'to influence'.

建立信用需要很长时间。

Building credit takes a long time.

建立 (jiànlì) means 'to build' or 'to establish'.

守信用是做人的基本原则。

Keeping one's word is a basic principle of being a person.

守信用 (shǒu xìnyòng) is synonymous with 讲信用.

他因为信用问题无法贷款。

He cannot get a loan due to credit issues.

因为...无法... means 'Because of... cannot...'

这个信用体系非常完善。

This credit system is very complete/well-developed.

完善 (wánshàn) means 'perfect' or 'well-developed'.

我们要共同维护社会信用。

We must jointly maintain social credit.

维护 (wéihù) means 'to maintain' or 'to safeguard'.

信用证是国际贸易中常用的支付方式。

Letters of credit are common payment methods in international trade.

信用证 (xìnyòngzhèng) means 'Letter of Credit'.

这次经济危机引发了严重的信用危机。

This economic crisis triggered a serious credit crisis.

引发 (yǐnfā) means 'to trigger' or 'to cause'.

银行会对申请人进行信用评估。

The bank will conduct a credit assessment of the applicant.

信用评估 (xìnyòng pínggū) means 'credit assessment'.

他的行为严重损害了公司的信用。

His actions seriously damaged the company's credit/reputation.

损害 (sǔnhài) means 'to damage' or 'to harm'.

良好的信用有助于企业获得低息贷款。

Good credit helps companies obtain low-interest loans.

有助于 (yǒuzhùyú) means 'is helpful for'.

个人信用报告记录了你的借贷历史。

A personal credit report records your borrowing history.

借贷历史 (jièdài lìshǐ) means 'borrowing history'.

我们要提高全社会的信用意识。

We need to improve the credit awareness of the whole society.

信用意识 (xìnyòng yìshí) means 'credit awareness'.

信用评级机构下调了该国的信用等级。

Credit rating agencies downgraded the country's credit rating.

下调 (xiàtiáo) means 'to downgrade' or 'to lower'.

信用膨胀可能导致资产泡沫。

Credit expansion can lead to asset bubbles.

信用膨胀 (xìnyòng péngzhàng) means 'credit expansion'.

政府通过信用监管来防范金融风险。

The government uses credit regulation to prevent financial risks.

防范 (fángfàn) means 'to guard against' or 'to prevent'.

该企业的信用违约概率正在上升。

The company's probability of credit default is rising.

信用违约 (xìnyòng wéiyuē) means 'credit default'.

信用利差反映了市场的风险溢价。

The credit spread reflects the market's risk premium.

信用利差 (xìnyòng lìchā) means 'credit spread'.

在数字经济中，数据成为了信用的一种表现形式。

In the digital economy, data has become a form of credit representation.

表现形式 (biǎoxiàn xíngshì) means 'form of expression' or 'representation'.

信用体系的建立依赖于法律制度的完善。

The establishment of a credit system depends on the improvement of the legal system.

依赖于 (yīlài yú) means 'depends on'.

这种信用契约具有法律约束力。

This credit contract is legally binding.

法律约束力 (fǎlǜ yuēshùlì) means 'legal binding force'.

信用缺失会导致市场交易成本的显著增加。

A lack of credit leads to a significant increase in market transaction costs.

信用缺失 (xìnyòng quēshī) means 'lack of credit' or 'credit deficiency'.

信用作为一种无形资产，在现代社会中具有不可估量的价值。

Credit, as an intangible asset, has immeasurable value in modern society.

无形资产 (wúxíng zīchǎn) means 'intangible asset'.

我们要警惕信用过度扩张带来的系统性风险。

We must be wary of the systemic risks brought about by excessive credit expansion.

系统性风险 (xìtǒngxìng fēngxiǎn) means 'systemic risk'.

信用治理是社会治理体系中的重要环节。

Credit governance is an important link in the social governance system.

治理 (zhìlǐ) means 'governance'.

在全球化背景下，主权信用评级影响着国家的融资能力。

In the context of globalization, sovereign credit ratings affect a country's financing capacity.

主权信用评级 (zhǔquán xìnyòng píngjí) means 'sovereign credit rating'.

信用的本质是基于契约精神的社会认同。

The essence of credit is social recognition based on the spirit of contract.

契约精神 (qìyuē jīngshén) means 'spirit of contract'.

通过大数据技术，我们可以更精准地刻画个人的信用画像。

Through big data technology, we can more accurately depict a person's credit profile.

信用画像 (xìnyòng huàxiàng) means 'credit profile/portrait'.

信用违约掉期在金融衍生品市场中扮演着复杂角色。

Credit default swaps play a complex role in the financial derivatives market.

扮演...角色 means 'to play a... role'.

重构社会信用底座是保障经济高质量发展的关键。

Reconstructing the foundation of social credit is key to ensuring high-quality economic development.

底座 (dǐzuò) here metaphorically means 'foundation'.

Common Collocations

信用卡

信用记录

信用额度

讲信用

信用评级

信用体系

信用危机

信用证

信用分

破坏信用

Common Phrases

守信用

— To keep one's word or be faithful to one's promises. It is a highly valued trait.

他是一个守信用的人。

信用贷款

— A loan based on credit rather than collateral. Common in modern banking.

他申请了一笔信用贷款。

信用社

— Short for credit union. Local cooperative financial institutions in China.

他在农村信用社工作。

信用评估

— The process of evaluating someone's creditworthiness. Often done by banks.

信用评估的结果还没出来。

商业信用

— Trust between businesses allowing for delayed payments. Essential for trade.

商业信用是企业的生命线。

个人信用

— The credit standing of an individual. Affects loans and lifestyle.

请珍惜你的个人信用。

信用风险

— The risk of a borrower defaulting on a debt. A key term in finance.

银行需要控制信用风险。

信用互助

— Mutual credit assistance. Often found in community or small business groups.

他们开展了信用互助活动。

信用黑名单

— A credit blacklist. Being on this list limits one's financial freedom.

他被列入了信用黑名单。

信用膨胀

— An excessive expansion of credit in an economy. Can lead to inflation.

信用膨胀引发了担忧。

Often Confused With

信用 vs 信任

信任 is the verb 'to trust' or the feeling of trust. 信用 is the record/reputation.

信用 vs 信心

信心 is 'confidence' or 'faith' in a future outcome. 信用 is based on past behavior.

信用 vs 信誉

信誉 is 'prestige' or 'reputation', often used for famous brands.

Idioms & Expressions

"言而有信"

— To be as good as one's word. It describes a person who always keeps promises.

他言而有信，大家都信任他。

Formal

"一诺千金"

— A promise that is worth a thousand bars of gold. Emphasizes the great value of a promise.

他的话一诺千金，绝不会反悔。

Literary

"信誓旦旦"

— To pledge or vow solemnly. Often used to describe someone making a strong promise.

他信誓旦旦地保证会按时完成任务。

Literary

"背信弃义"

— To break faith and abandon righteousness. A strong condemnation of betrayal.

这种背信弃义的行为令人不齿。

Formal

"取信于民"

— To win the trust of the people. Often used in political contexts.

政府必须通过行动取信于民。

Political

"诚信为本"

— Honesty is the basis of everything. A common business motto.

这家公司始终坚持诚信为本。

Business

"信手拈来"

— To have words or materials at one's fingertips. (Note: Uses '信' in a different sense of 'freely').

他写文章时，名言警句信手拈来。

Literary

"微词小语"

— Small words of distrust or criticism. (Note: Related to the loss of trust).

由于他经常迟到，同事们对他有些微词。

Literary

"信而有征"

— Trustworthy and proven by evidence. Used for historical accounts or facts.

这段历史记录信而有征，非常可靠。

Academic

"民无信不立"

— Without the trust of the people, a state cannot stand. A famous Confucian saying.

古人云：民无信不立。

Philosophical

Easily Confused

信用 vs 信任 (xìnrèn)

Both translate to 'trust' in English.

信任 is the act of trusting someone. 信用 is the quality or record that makes someone trustable. You can't use 信用 as a verb.

我信任你 (I trust you). 他很讲信用 (He is very trustworthy).

信用 vs 诚信 (chéngxìn)

Both involve honesty and trust.

诚信 is a broader moral concept of integrity. 信用 is more specific to fulfilling promises and debts.

诚信是核心价值观 (Integrity is a core value).

信用 vs 信心 (xìnxīn)

Both start with '信'.

信心 is self-confidence or faith in something happening. It has nothing to do with credit scores.

我有信心赢 (I have confidence I will win).

信用 vs 信誉 (xìnyù)

Both refer to reputation.

信誉 is the 'prestige' or 'fame' of a brand. 信用 is the 'reliability' or 'credit' of a person or entity.

这家公司的信誉很高 (This company has high prestige).

信用 vs 名誉 (míngyù)

Both relate to social standing.

名誉 is 'honor' or 'good name.' 信用 is specifically about being reliable and keeping words/paying debts.

保卫名誉 (Defend one's honor).

Sentence Patterns

我有/没有[信用卡]。

我有信用卡。

[人]很讲信用。

他很讲信用。

[人]的信用记录很[好/不好]。

我的信用记录很好。

如果不[行为]，[信用]就会受损。

如果不还钱，信用就会受损。

[行为]严重损害了[公司]的信用。

这次丑闻损害了公司的信用。

[机构]对[人]进行信用评估。

银行对他进行信用评估。

信用是[抽象名词]的基础。

信用是市场经济的基础。

重构[社会]信用底座是[目标]的关键。

重构社会信用底座是保障发展的关键。

Word Family

Nouns

信心 (confidence)

信号 (signal)

信念 (belief)

信件 (letter)

用具 (utensils)

用途 (usage)

Verbs

相信 (to believe)

使用 (to use)

利用 (to utilize)

信任 (to trust)

Adjectives

可靠 (reliable)

有用 (useful)

诚信 (honest)

银行 (bank)

贷款 (loan)

利息 (interest)

合同 (contract)

名誉 (reputation)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, finance, and news.

Common Mistakes

Using '信用' as a verb. → 使用 '信任' 或 '讲信用'。
You cannot say '我信用你'. You must say '我信任你' (I trust you) or '他很讲信用' (He is trustworthy).
Confusing '信用卡' with '借记卡'。 → 根据账户类型选择正确的词。
If you are using money you already have, it's a 借记卡. If you are borrowing, it's a 信用卡.
Saying '我很信用'。 → 我很讲信用。
信用 is a noun. To describe yourself, you need the verb '讲' (to emphasize/act according to).
Confusing '信用' with '信心'。 → 信用 = credit/trust; 信心 = confidence.
If you are confident about an exam, use 信心. If you pay your bills, you have 信用.
Thinking '信用' only applies to banks. → 信用 also applies to personal character.
Don't forget the social aspect of 信用, which means 'keeping your word'.

Tips

Use '讲' with '信用'

Always remember that to say someone 'is' trustworthy, the standard phrase is '讲信用' (jiǎng xìnyòng). It's a set pattern you should memorize.

Credit Card vs. Debit Card

Make sure to distinguish between 信用卡 (credit) and 借记卡 (debit). In China, mobile payments often link to both, but the terms remain distinct.

The Value of Promises

In China, 信用 is often seen as more important than a written contract in small business. Keeping your word builds 'guanxi' (relationships).

Business Reputation

If you are doing business, mentioning that you value the other party's 信用 is a great way to show respect and seriousness.

Check Your Score

If you live in China, apps like Alipay show your '芝麻信用' (Sesame Credit). High scores can waive deposits for many services.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, 信用 is often paired with words like 体系 (system), 评级 (rating), and 记录 (record).

Tones Matter

Both characters are fourth tone (falling). If you say it with rising tones, people might not understand you.

Person + Words

Remember the character 信: a Person (人) standing by their Word (言). That's the essence of 信用.

Trust vs. Credit

Think of 信任 as 'emotional trust' and 信用 as 'record-based credit'. This helps in choosing the right word.

Renting and Loans

When renting a house or getting a car in China, your 信用 status will always be checked, just like in the West.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Xìn' as 'Sincere' and 'Yòng' as 'Use'. 信用 is the 'Sincere Use' of your reputation to get things done.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing next to their words (信) holding a credit card (用). This links the moral and financial aspects.

Word Web

信用卡 (Credit Card) 信用分 (Credit Score) 讲信用 (Trustworthy) 守信用 (Keep word) 信用记录 (Credit record) 信用等级 (Credit level) 信用危机 (Credit crisis) 信用评估 (Credit assessment)

Challenge

Try to use 信用 in three different ways today: once for a card, once for a person, and once for a business.

Word Origin

The word 信用 is composed of two characters: 信 (xìn) and 用 (yòng). 信 dates back to ancient oracle bone inscriptions, originally meaning 'truth' or 'sincerity.' 用 originally depicted a bucket or tool, meaning 'to use.' The combination appeared in early Chinese texts to describe the practical application of trust in social and economic exchanges.

Original meaning: The original meaning of 信用 was the 'utility of trust'—how trust enables people to work together and trade.

Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic branch.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing the Social Credit System, as it can be a sensitive political topic depending on the audience.

In English, 'credit' is mostly financial, while 'trustworthiness' is personal. In Chinese, 信用 covers both seamlessly.

Confucius said: '人而无信，不知其可也' (If a person is not trustworthy, I do not know what they are good for). The 'Sesame Credit' system is a famous modern application of this word. Traditional 'Piaohao' (early Chinese banks) were built entirely on the concept of 信用.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Banking

申请信用卡
信用额度
信用记录
信用评分

Friendship

他很讲信用
别破坏你的信用
守信用很重要
没信用的人

E-commerce

信用等级
信用分
免押金
信用付

Business

商业信用
信用证
信用危机
信用评估

Law/Policy

社会信用体系
信用监管
信用黑名单
征信报告

Conversation Starters

"你平时常用信用卡吗？ (Do you usually use a credit card?)"

"你觉得在社会中，信用最重要吗？ (Do you think credit/trust is the most important thing in society?)"

"如果一个朋友不讲信用，你还会和他交往吗？ (If a friend isn't trustworthy, would you still hang out with them?)"

"你国家的信用体系是怎么样的？ (What is the credit system like in your country?)"

"你认为信用分能代表一个人的好坏吗？ (Do you think a credit score can represent whether a person is good or bad?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对‘讲信用’的看法。 (Write about your views on 'being trustworthy'.)

描述一次你因为信用好而获得帮助的经历。 (Describe an experience where you received help because of your good credit/trustworthiness.)

如果你丢失了信用，你会如何尝试恢复它？ (If you lost your credit/trustworthiness, how would you try to restore it?)

讨论一下信用卡对现代生活的影响。 (Discuss the impact of credit cards on modern life.)

比较一下‘信用’和‘金钱’哪个更重要。 (Compare which is more important: 'credit' or 'money'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot. To say 'I trust you,' use the verb 信任 (xìnrèn). 信用 is a noun meaning 'credit' or 'trustworthiness.' You would say '他是一个讲信用的人' (He is a person who keeps his word).

信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ) is a credit card where you borrow money from the bank. 借记卡 (jièjìkǎ) is a debit card where you use your own money from your account.

It is generally a neutral noun, but having high 信用 is very positive. If you 'lose' 信用 (失去信用), it is very negative.

The most common way is 信用分 (xìnyòng fēn) or 信用评分 (xìnyòng píngfēn).

It literally means 'to speak/emphasize credit.' It is used to describe someone who is honest and keeps their promises.

Yes, it is very common in business to talk about a company's 商业信用 (commercial credit) or their credit rating.

Yes, the system is called 社会信用体系 (shèhuì xìnyòng tǐxì). It uses the word 信用 to refer to a citizen's overall reliability.

The most common opposite is 不讲信用 (bù jiǎng xìnyòng) or 失信 (shīxìn).

Absolutely. It is a standard term in economics, sociology, and ethics.

Most modern Chinese words consist of two characters. 信 (trust) and 用 (use) combine to mean the 'utility of trust' or 'applicable credit'.