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B1 noun 9 min read

信誉

xìnyù

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 信誉 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 信誉 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '信誉' (xìnyù) often, as it is a bit formal. However, it's good to know that it means 'reputation' or 'being a good person who keeps promises.' Think of it as 'good name.' In Chinese culture, having a 'good name' is very important. You might hear it when people talk about shops or famous people. For now, just remember that '信' means 'to believe' and '誉' is like 'honor.' If someone has '信誉,' it means you can believe what they say and trust their work. You can compare it to simple words like '好' (good) or '有名' (famous), but '信誉' is more about being honest and reliable. For example, '这家店很好' (This shop is good) is A1, while '这家店很有信誉' (This shop has a good reputation) is what you will learn as you progress. Just focus on the idea that trust (信) leads to a good name (誉).

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your daily life, including shopping and working. '信誉' (xìnyù) becomes more useful here. When you shop online on sites like Taobao, you will see '信誉' ratings. This tells you if the seller is honest. You can use the basic pattern '有信誉' (to have a reputation). For example, '他很有信誉' (He is very reputable). You are learning that in Chinese, many words are made of two characters that each have a meaning. '信' (trust) and '誉' (praise) combine to mean the praise you get because people trust you. You should also start to notice that '信誉' is used for businesses more than for friends. For a friend, you might say '他说话算数' (He keeps his word), but for a company, you use '信誉.' It's a 'heavier' word that sounds more serious and professional.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '信誉' (xìnyù) in more complex sentences and understand its importance in professional contexts. This is the level where you move beyond simple descriptions and start discussing abstract concepts like 'trust' and 'reliability.' You will learn common verbs that go with '信誉,' such as '建立' (jiànlì - to establish) and '损害' (sǔnhài - to damage). For example, you might say, '为了建立信誉，我们必须保证产品质量' (In order to establish a reputation, we must guarantee product quality). You should also distinguish '信誉' from '信用' (xìnyòng). While '信用' is often about 'credit' (like a credit card or a specific promise), '信誉' is the overall 'reputation' that you build over time. At this level, you can use '信誉' to talk about why you choose one brand over another or why a certain person is respected in their field. It is a key word for discussing business ethics and personal integrity.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '信誉' (xìnyù) with precision in formal writing and discussions. You should understand the nuances between '信誉,' '名声' (míngshēng), and '声望' (shēngwàng). '信誉' specifically implies a track record of reliability and integrity. You will encounter this word in news reports about corporate scandals, where a company's '信誉' is said to be '受损' (damaged) or '扫地' (completely lost). You should be able to discuss '商业信誉' (business reputation) as a form of 'intangible asset.' You will also see it in legal and financial contexts, such as '信誉评价' (reputation evaluation) or '信誉等级' (credit/reputation rating). At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in the passive voice or in complex grammatical structures, such as '以...信誉为担保' (using ...'s reputation as a guarantee). Your ability to use '信誉' correctly will show that you understand the deep cultural value placed on trust and 'face' in Chinese society.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of '信誉' (xìnyù) and its role in Chinese social and economic structures. You can discuss the 'Social Credit System' (社会信用体系) and how it relates to '个人信誉' (personal reputation). You should be able to use idiomatic expressions and formal collocations, such as '享有盛誉' (to enjoy a great reputation) or '信誉卓著' (of outstanding reputation). In professional settings, you can debate the impact of '信誉' on market value and consumer behavior. You understand that '信誉' is not just a moral quality but a quantifiable asset in the modern Chinese economy. You can also use the word in literary or academic contexts, exploring how the concept of '信' has evolved from ancient Confucian texts to modern corporate law. Your usage should reflect a high degree of stylistic flexibility, knowing when to use '信誉' versus more specialized terms like '公信力' (public credibility).

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '信誉' (xìnyù) and can use it with absolute precision across all registers. You can analyze the etymological roots of the characters and discuss how the concept of '信誉' intersects with global concepts of 'brand equity' and 'sovereign credit.' You are capable of writing sophisticated business proposals or legal briefs where '信誉' is a central theme. You understand the subtle emotional and social weight the word carries, including its relationship with '面子' (face) and '关系' (connections). You can use '信誉' in complex rhetorical strategies, perhaps using it ironically or to make a profound ethical point. Whether you are discussing international diplomacy, high-level finance, or classical philosophy, '信誉' is a tool you use to express the highest levels of trust and social standing. You can also recognize and use rare four-character idioms (chengyu) related to reputation with ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

信誉 in 30 Seconds

A formal noun meaning reputation or creditworthiness.
Essential for business, finance, and professional integrity.
Built through trust (信) and earns praise/honor (誉).
Often used with verbs like build (建立), maintain (维护), or damage (损害).

The Chinese term 信誉 (xìnyù) is a sophisticated noun that translates most accurately to 'reputation,' 'prestige,' or 'creditworthiness.' It is a composite of two powerful characters: 信 (xìn), meaning trust, faith, or sincerity, and 誉 (yù), meaning fame, honor, or praise. Together, they form a concept that describes the intangible asset of being trusted and respected by others, particularly in professional, commercial, or public spheres.

Commercial Context: In the business world, 信誉 is the cornerstone of a company's success. It refers to the brand's standing in the market and the level of confidence consumers have in its products or services. A company with high 信誉 can command higher prices and survive market fluctuations more effectively than one without it.

这家百年老店在当地享有极高的信誉。(This century-old shop enjoys an extremely high reputation locally.)

Historically, the concept of 信 (trust) is central to Confucian ethics. It is one of the Five Constant Virtues (五常). In modern Mandarin, 信誉 has evolved to encompass financial reliability. When a person or business applies for a loan, the bank assesses their 信誉 to determine risk. This makes the word essential in discussions regarding finance, law, and international relations.

Personal Integrity: On an individual level, 信誉 refers to one's personal 'credit' in the eyes of the community. If you consistently keep your promises and act ethically, you are said to have good 信誉. Losing it is often described as '信誉扫地' (one's reputation is dragged through the dust).

他一向守信用，所以在朋友中很有信誉。(He has always kept his word, so he has a great reputation among his friends.)

In the digital age, 信誉 has taken on new life in e-commerce. Platforms like Taobao or JD.com use '信誉等级' (reputation levels) to rank sellers based on customer feedback. A seller with a high '信誉积分' (reputation points) is far more likely to attract customers than a new seller with no history. Thus, the word is ubiquitous in the vocabulary of online shopping and digital entrepreneurship.

Legal and Formal Use: In legal documents, '信誉' is often paired with '商业' (shāngyè - business) to refer to 'Goodwill.' It is considered a protected interest; if someone spreads lies about a company to hurt its sales, they are committing '损害商业信誉罪' (the crime of damaging business reputation).

任何损害公司信誉的行为都将受到法律制裁。(Any act that damages the company's reputation will be subject to legal sanctions.)

Using 信誉 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. It is rarely used as a verb itself. Instead, it acts as the object of actions like 'maintaining,' 'damaging,' or 'establishing.' In this section, we will explore the syntactic patterns that make your Chinese sound natural and professional.

Establishing Reputation: When a new business starts or a professional enters a field, they must 'build' or 'establish' their standing. The verb 建立 (jiànlì) is the standard choice here.

他们通过优质的服务建立了良好的信誉。(They established a good reputation through high-quality service.)

Once established, a reputation must be 'maintained' or 'protected.' Verbs like 维护 (wéihù) or 珍惜 (zhēnxī - to cherish) are frequently used. This highlights that 信誉 is seen as a fragile and valuable asset that requires constant effort to keep intact.

Damaging Reputation: Negative actions lead to the 'destruction' or 'harming' of reputation. Common verbs include 损害 (sǔnhài), 破坏 (pòhuài), or 影响 (yǐngxiǎng - to affect/impact).

虚假广告会严重损害企业的信誉。(False advertising will seriously damage a company's reputation.)

In formal reports or news broadcasts, you might encounter the phrase 信誉度 (xìnyùdù). The suffix '-度' adds the meaning of 'degree' or 'level,' turning 'reputation' into a measurable 'reputation level' or 'credit rating.' This is very common in economic analysis.

Adjective Modifiers: To describe the quality of the reputation, use 良好的 (liánghǎo de - good), 极高的 (jí gāo de - extremely high), or 受损的 (shòusǔn de - damaged). These adjectives almost always precede the noun.

保持良好的个人信誉对职业发展至关重要。(Maintaining a good personal reputation is crucial for career development.)

Finally, consider the concept of 'credit' in a financial sense. While 信用 (xìnyòng) is the literal word for credit (like a credit card), 信誉 is used when discussing the *reliability* that leads to that credit. For example, '信誉贷款' (xìnyù dàikuǎn) refers to a signature loan or a loan based purely on the borrower's reputation rather than collateral.

Understanding where 信誉 appears in daily life helps you grasp its cultural weight. In China, 'trust' is not just a moral value; it is a vital social currency. You will hear this word in diverse settings ranging from the evening news to the local market.

The Business World: In corporate meetings, '信誉' is discussed as a strategic asset. CEOs often talk about '品牌信誉' (brand reputation). If a company is involved in a scandal, the first thing analysts discuss is how much '信誉' has been lost.

这次质量危机让公司的信誉大打折扣。(This quality crisis has greatly diminished the company's reputation.)

On the news, especially financial news, you will hear about '国家信誉' (sovereign credit/reputation). When international agencies like Moody's or S&P change a country's credit rating, Chinese broadcasters will use the term '信誉等级' to describe the shift. It conveys a sense of national dignity and economic stability.

E-Commerce and Shopping: If you use apps like Taobao, you'll see a '信誉' section for every seller. Buyers often say, '这家店信誉高，可以放心买' (This shop has a high reputation; you can buy with confidence). This usage has made the word extremely common even among younger generations who might not use it in formal prose.

网购时，我总是先看卖家的信誉评价。(When shopping online, I always look at the seller's reputation reviews first.)

In interpersonal relationships, while '信任' (xìnrèn - trust) is more common for close friends, '信誉' is used when the relationship has a more 'public' or 'formal' character. For instance, if someone is known for always paying back money on time, they have '个人信誉.' If someone is known for gossiping, they might lose their '信誉' as a reliable confidant.

Government and Social Credit: China's 'Social Credit System' (社会信用体系) is a major topic of discussion. While the official name uses '信用,' the public often discusses it in terms of '个人信誉.' You might hear people say, '如果上了黑名单，你的信誉就完了' (If you get on the blacklist, your reputation/credit is finished).

政府正在努力提高其公信力和信誉。(The government is working hard to improve its public credibility and reputation.)

While 信誉 seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with other words related to 'trust' or 'fame.' Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound more precise and professional.

Mistake 1: Confusing 信誉 with 信用 (xìnyòng): This is the most common error. 信用 refers to the *act* of being trustworthy or the *system* of credit (like a credit card '信用卡'). 信誉 is the *result* or the *status* of that trustworthiness. You *keep* 信用, but you *have* 信誉.

Wrong: 他是一个很有信用的公司。(Incorrect if you mean the company's public standing.)
Correct: 这是一家很有信誉的公司。(Correct: This is a very reputable company.)

Another mistake is using 信誉 for simple popularity. If a celebrity is famous but not necessarily trusted (or if their trustworthiness isn't the point), use 名气 (míngqì) or 知名度 (zhīmíngdù). 信誉 always implies a moral or professional reliability.

Mistake 2: Confusing 信誉 with 名声 (míngshēng): 名声 is a general term for reputation and can be 'good' (好名声) or 'bad' (坏名声). 信誉 is almost always used in a positive sense or to describe the *level* of trust. You wouldn't usually say 'bad 信誉' unless you mean the level is low.

Note: You say '损害信誉' (damage reputation) rather than '坏信誉' (bad reputation).

A third common mistake is trying to use 信誉 as a verb. Unlike 'trust' in English, which can be both a noun and a verb, 信誉 is strictly a noun. You cannot '信誉 someone.'

Mistake 3: Incorrect Verb Pairings: Learners often use '做' (to do) or '有' (to have) generically. While '有信誉' is acceptable, more precise verbs like '享有' (xiǎngyǒu - to enjoy/possess a reputation) or '树立' (shùlì - to set up/establish) make you sound more like a native speaker.

Better: 该品牌在国际上享有盛誉。(This brand enjoys a great reputation internationally.)

To truly master 信誉, you must see how it fits into the broader family of words related to reputation and trust. Each has a specific nuance and register.

信誉 vs. 信用 (xìnyòng): 信用 focuses on the fulfillment of promises and financial credit. It is the *behavior*. 信誉 is the *public evaluation* of that behavior.
Example: '信用记录' (credit record) vs. '商业信誉' (business reputation).
信誉 vs. 名声 (míngshēng): 名声 is more general and can be informal. It refers to what people say about you. 信誉 is more formal and specific to reliability and integrity.
Example: '他名声在外' (He is well-known everywhere) vs. '他很有信誉' (He is very reliable/reputable).
信誉 vs. 声望 (shēngwàng): 声望 translates to 'prestige' or 'stature.' It is usually reserved for high-ranking individuals, scholars, or long-standing institutions. It implies a level of respect that goes beyond just being trusted.
Example: '一位享有声望的教授' (A prestigious professor).
信誉 vs. 威信 (wēixìn): 威信 is 'prestige' or 'authority' that comes from being trusted. It is often used for leaders. A leader with 威信 can command others because they are respected.
Example: '树立领导威信' (To establish leadership prestige).

When choosing which word to use, consider the 'source' of the reputation. If it's about money or contracts, use 信用. If it's about general talk, use 名声. If it's about professional reliability, use 信誉. If it's about high status, use 声望.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, '信' was considered one of the five essential virtues for a gentleman (Junzi). Without '信,' a man was not considered a full member of society.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕîn.ŷ/

US /ɕîn.ŷ/

Equal stress on both syllables.

Rhymes With

进 (jìn) 近 (jìn) 具 (jù) 句 (jù)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xìn' as 'xīn' (1st tone).
Pronouncing 'yù' as 'yū' (1st tone).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common but the concept is abstract and formal.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific verb collocations like 维护 and 损害.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but needs correct tone usage (4th-4th).

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in news and business contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

相信名字好公司钱

Learn Next

名誉声望威信诚信资产

Advanced

品牌溢价无形资产社会信用体系

Grammar to Know

Using '有' to indicate possession of a quality.

他很有信誉。

The '为了' (in order to) structure for purpose.

为了维护信誉，他退还了所有的钱。

Resultative complements with '损害'.

他的信誉被损害了。

The '不仅...而且...' (not only... but also...) structure.

信誉不仅是面子，而且是财富。

Passive voice with '被'.

公司的信誉被丑闻破坏了。

Examples by Level

这家店信誉好。

This shop has a good reputation.

Simple Subject + Noun as Adjective phrase.

他很有信誉。

He is very reputable.

'很有' + Noun to describe a quality.

信誉很重要。

Reputation is very important.

Noun + Adjective.

我不喜欢没有信誉的公司。

I don't like companies without a reputation.

'没有' + Noun as an attribute.

他的信誉很高。

His reputation is very high.

Possessive + Noun + Adjective.

买东西要看信誉。

You should look at the reputation when buying things.

Verb + Noun.

老师有信誉。

The teacher has a good reputation.

Simple Subject + Verb + Noun.

我们要保护信誉。

We need to protect our reputation.

Subject + Auxiliary + Verb + Noun.

网购时，卖家的信誉很重要。

When shopping online, the seller's reputation is very important.

Time phrase + Subject + Adjective.

因为他没信誉，所以没人借钱给他。

Because he has no reputation, no one lends him money.

Because... so... (因为...所以...) structure.

这家公司的信誉一直很好。

This company's reputation has always been good.

'一直' (always) modifying the adjective phrase.

他是一个有信誉的商人。

He is a reputable businessman.

'有信誉的' as an adjective modifying '商人'.

失去信誉很容易，建立信誉很难。

Losing reputation is easy, establishing it is hard.

Parallel structure comparing two actions.

你应该珍惜自己的信誉。

You should cherish your own reputation.

'应该' (should) + Verb + Noun.

这个品牌的信誉在变好。

This brand's reputation is improving.

'在变' (is becoming) + Adjective.

大家都很看重信誉。

Everyone values reputation very much.

'看重' (to value/regard as important) + Noun.

为了维护公司的信誉，我们必须道歉。

In order to maintain the company's reputation, we must apologize.

'为了' (in order to) + Verb + Noun.

那次丑闻严重损害了他的信誉。

That scandal seriously damaged his reputation.

Adverb '严重' modifying the verb '损害'.

建立良好的信誉需要长期的努力。

Establishing a good reputation requires long-term effort.

Gerund-like subject phrase.

银行会根据你的信誉决定是否贷款。

The bank will decide whether to loan based on your reputation.

'根据' (based on) + Noun.

他凭借良好的信誉赢得了客户的信任。

He won the customers' trust by virtue of his good reputation.

'凭借' (by virtue of/relying on) + Noun.

这家企业的信誉度在行业内是领先的。

This enterprise's reputation level is leading in the industry.

Using '信誉度' (reputation level) for formal context.

如果失去信誉，你就很难在社会上立足。

If you lose your reputation, it will be hard for you to gain a foothold in society.

'如果...就...' (If... then...) conditional structure.

我们要树立诚实守信的良好信誉。

We must establish a good reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.

'树立' (establish/set up) + complex adjective phrase + Noun.

商业信誉是企业最宝贵的无形资产。

Business reputation is a company's most precious intangible asset.

'无形资产' (intangible asset) as a predicate.

任何损害他人信誉的行为都是不道德的。

Any act that damages another's reputation is unethical.

'任何...的行为' (any act of...) structure.

该品牌凭借多年的信誉积累，成功打入了国际市场。

Relying on years of reputation accumulation, the brand successfully entered the international market.

'凭借...积累' (relying on the accumulation of...).

信誉扫地后，他不得不辞去董事长的职务。

After his reputation was dragged through the dust, he had to resign as chairman.

'信誉扫地' (reputation ruined) as a time/condition clause.

政府的公信力直接影响到其在民众中的信誉。

The government's public credibility directly affects its reputation among the people.

'直接影响到' (directly affects) + Noun.

在金融领域，信誉评价体系至关重要。

In the financial field, the reputation evaluation system is crucial.

'至关重要' (crucial/of vital importance).

他通过一系列公益活动恢复了受损的信誉。

He restored his damaged reputation through a series of public welfare activities.

'通过...恢复' (restore through...).

我们必须严厉打击那些破坏市场信誉的行为。

We must severely crack down on those acts that undermine market reputation.

'严厉打击' (severely crack down) + Noun phrase.

信誉的建立非一日之功，但毁掉它只需一瞬。

Building a reputation is not the work of a day, but destroying it takes only a moment.

'非...之功' (not the work of...) - a formal, literary structure.

企业的社会责任感与其商业信誉紧密相连。

A company's sense of social responsibility is closely linked to its business reputation.

'...与...紧密相连' (closely linked with...).

在全球化背景下，国家信誉成为了核心竞争力。

In the context of globalization, national reputation has become a core competitiveness.

'在...背景下' (in the context of...).

他深知“信誉即生命”的道理，从不弄虚作假。

He knows well the principle that 'reputation is life' and never resorts to fraud.

Quoting a proverb/principle as an object.

法律对损害商业信誉的罪行有着明确的界定。

The law has a clear definition of the crime of damaging business reputation.

'对...有...的界定' (has a definition for...).

该机构的信誉评价报告在业界具有极高的权威性。

The agency's reputation evaluation report has high authority in the industry.

'具有...权威性' (possesses authority).

在信息爆炸的时代，维护个人信誉变得愈发困难。

In the era of information explosion, maintaining a personal reputation has become increasingly difficult.

'愈发' (increasingly/more and more).

信誉不仅是道德范畴的概念，更是经济运行的基石。

Reputation is not only a concept in the moral category but also the cornerstone of economic operation.

'不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).

信誉的崩塌往往始于微小的诚信缺失，最终导致不可挽回的灾难。

The collapse of reputation often begins with a tiny lack of integrity and eventually leads to an irreversible disaster.

'始于...最终导致...' (starts with... eventually leads to...).

在资本市场上，信誉溢价是衡量品牌价值的重要指标。

In the capital market, reputation premium is an important indicator for measuring brand value.

Technical financial terminology ('信誉溢价').

他以其信誉卓著的学术成就，赢得了国际学术界的广泛赞誉。

With his outstanding academic achievements and reputation, he won widespread praise from the international academic community.

'以其...' (with his...) + complex noun phrase.

政府应通过透明化管理来重塑其在公众心目中的信誉。

The government should reshape its reputation in the eyes of the public through transparent management.

'通过...来重塑' (reshape through...).

信誉这一无形资产的流失，往往比有形资产的损失更为致命。

The loss of the intangible asset of reputation is often more fatal than the loss of tangible assets.

Comparative structure with '更为' (even more).

面对质疑，他选择用实际行动来捍卫自己多年积累的信誉。

In the face of doubts, he chose to defend the reputation he had accumulated over the years with practical actions.

'面对...选择用...来捍卫' (facing... chose to use... to defend).

该制度旨在通过信誉激励机制，促进社会成员自觉守法。

The system aims to promote social members' conscious law-abiding through a reputation incentive mechanism.

'旨在通过...' (aims to... through...).

在外交博弈中，国家信誉是维护国家利益的重要筹码。

In diplomatic games, national reputation is an important bargaining chip for maintaining national interests.

Metaphorical use of '筹码' (bargaining chip).

Common Collocations

建立信誉

维护信誉

损害信誉

商业信誉

个人信誉

信誉良好

信誉扫地

信誉等级

信誉保证

恢复信誉

Common Phrases

信誉第一

— Reputation comes first. Often used as a business motto.

我们公司一向坚持信誉第一。

信誉卡

— Reputation card (literal), but often refers to a guarantee card.

请保留好这张信誉卡。

信誉评价

— Reputation evaluation or review.

网上的信誉评价很有参考价值。

信誉积分

— Reputation points (in apps or systems).

我的信誉积分已经达到满分了。

信誉单位

— A reputable unit or organization.

这家医院被评为信誉单位。

信誉危机

— Reputation crisis.

公司正面临严重的信誉危机。

信誉卓著

— Outstanding reputation.

他是一位信誉卓著的律师。

信誉投资

— Investment in reputation.

长远来看，信誉投资是值得的。

信誉受损

— Reputation damaged.

他的信誉受损，生意也一落千丈。

信誉风险

— Reputation risk.

银行必须评估每项业务的信誉风险。

Often Confused With

信誉 vs 信用

信用 is about the 'use' of trust (credit); 信誉 is the 'fame/honor' of trust (reputation).

信誉 vs 名声

名声 is general; 信誉 is professional/reliable.

信誉 vs 名气

名气 is just fame; 信誉 requires trust.

Idioms & Expressions

"信誉扫地"

— To have one's reputation completely ruined.

那个骗子的信誉扫地，再也没人相信他。

Formal/Written

"言而有信"

— To be as good as one's word.

他是一个言而有信的人。

Neutral

"诚信为本"

— Honesty is the basis of everything.

做生意要坚持诚信为本。

Formal

"名誉扫地"

— Similar to 信誉扫地, focus on honor.

那场官司让他名誉扫地。

Formal

"声名狼藉"

— To have a notorious reputation.

那个贪官早已声名狼藉。

Formal

"德高望重"

— To be of high character and great prestige.

他是一位德高望重的长辈。

Formal

"一诺千金"

— A promise worth a thousand bars of gold.

他一诺千金，从不食言。

Literary

"信守不渝"

— To keep faith unchangingly.

他对自己的誓言信守不渝。

Literary

"口碑载道"

— To be praised everywhere.

这位医生的医术口碑载道。

Literary

"名不虚传"

— To have a reputation that is well-deserved.

这里的风景果然名不虚传。

Neutral

Easily Confused

信誉 vs 信用

Both involve trust.

信用 is behavior/credit (e.g., credit card); 信誉 is public standing.

我的信用卡信用额度很高，因为我信誉好。

信誉 vs 名誉

Both mean reputation.

名誉 is about 'honor' and 'title'; 信誉 is about 'reliability' and 'trust'.

他被授予‘名誉教授’称号，这增加了他的信誉。

信誉 vs 知名度

Both relate to being known.

知名度 is how many people know you; 信誉 is how many people trust you.

这个明星知名度很高，但信誉很差。

信誉 vs 口碑

Both mean reputation.

口碑 is informal 'word-of-mouth'; 信誉 is more formal 'standing'.

这家店口碑好，信誉也高。

信誉 vs 威信

Both involve respect.

威信 includes 'authority' (usually for leaders); 信誉 is purely 'trustworthiness'.

领导必须有威信才能管好团队。

Sentence Patterns

...信誉好。

这家店信誉好。

...有信誉。

他是一个有信誉的人。

为了...维护信誉...

为了维护信誉，我们必须按时交货。

损害...的信誉

不要损害公司的信誉。

享有...的信誉

他在业界享有极高的信誉。

信誉扫地

丑闻让他信誉扫地。

以...信誉为担保

他以个人信誉为担保借了这笔钱。

信誉溢价

品牌信誉溢价是企业利润的来源。

Word Family

Nouns

信用 (Credit)

信心 (Confidence)

名誉 (Honor)

荣誉 (Glory)

Verbs

相信 (To believe)

信任 (To trust)

赞誉 (To praise)

Adjectives

可信 (Credible)

荣誉的 (Honorary)

诚实 (Honest)

靠谱 (Reliable - informal)

口碑 (Public praise)

品牌 (Brand)

资产 (Asset)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in business and formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '有' for everything. → Use '享有' or '拥有'.
'有信誉' is okay, but '享有极高的信誉' sounds much more natural and advanced.
Confusing '信誉' with '信心'. → '信誉' is reputation; '信心' is confidence.
You have '信心' (confidence) in a person because they have '信誉' (reputation).
Saying '一个信誉'. → '这种信誉' or just '信誉'.
'信誉' is uncountable. You don't use the measure word '一个'.
Using '信誉' for bad reputations. → Use '名声' for bad reputations.
'信誉' is inherently positive or refers to the level of trust. '坏名声' is the correct term for infamy.
Confusing '信誉' and '信用'. → Use '信用' for credit cards and specific promises.
'信用' is the act of being trustworthy; '信誉' is the status resulting from it.

Tips

Don't use as a verb

Remember that '信誉' is a noun. Use it with verbs like '拥有' (have), '建立' (establish), or '损害' (damage).

Formal vs Informal

Use '信誉' for business and '名声' or '人品' for personal, casual contexts.

The Power of Face

Understand that '信誉' is closely tied to '面子' (face). To damage someone's '信誉' is to make them lose 'face.'

Tone Mastery

Both characters are 4th tone (falling). Practice saying 'XÌN-YÙ' with strength to sound confident.

Intangible Asset

In business Chinese, always refer to '信誉' as an '无形资产' (intangible asset) to sound professional.

Idiom Usage

Use '信誉扫地' to describe a total loss of reputation in your writing for a more native feel.

Context Clues

If you hear '信誉' in a news report, it's likely about a company scandal or a national credit rating.

Check the Stars

When using Chinese apps, look for the '信誉' section to avoid scams.

Reputation vs Fame

A person can have high '知名度' (fame) but low '信誉' (reputation). Distinguish these in your speech.

Foundation of Trust

Use the phrase '诚信为本' (honesty is the basis) when discussing why '信誉' is important.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a Person (人) standing by their Word (言) to get Praise (誉). Person + Word = Trust (信). Speech + Honor = Reputation (誉).

Visual Association

Imagine a gold seal or a thumbs-up icon made of two characters. The seal represents the 'guarantee' of a good name.

Word Web

Business Trust Bank Taobao Integrity Face Rating Review

Challenge

Try to use '信誉' in a sentence about your favorite brand and explain why they have it.

Word Origin

The character 信 (xìn) is a compound of 人 (person) and 言 (speech), signifying that a person's words should be trustworthy. 誉 (yù) combines 言 (speech) and 舆 (chariot/public - in some interpretations) or simply a phonetic component, meaning praise or fame.

Original meaning: Public praise based on a person's trustworthiness.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'Social Credit' (社会信用) as it can be a politically sensitive topic, although '信誉' itself is a neutral, positive term.

In the West, reputation is often seen as a personal or brand asset. In China, it has a stronger moral and social dimension rooted in Confucianism.

The concept of 'Xin' in the Analects of Confucius. The reputation of the 'Jin Merchants' (晋商) in history. Modern tech giants like Alibaba and their 'Sesame Credit' system.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Online Shopping

卖家的信誉
信誉积分
好评如潮
信誉保证

Banking/Finance

信誉贷款
信用记录
信誉等级
违约风险

Job Hunting

个人信誉
职业操守
推荐信
行业口碑

Legal/Business

损害信誉罪
商业机密
合同条款
法人信誉

Interpersonal

说话算数
言而有信
值得信任
人品可靠

Conversation Starters

"你网购的时候会先看卖家的信誉吗？"

"你觉得一个人的信誉和他的成功有关系吗？"

"如果一个公司的信誉受损，它该怎么恢复？"

"在你的国家，人们最看重哪方面的信誉？"

"你认为信誉比金钱更重要吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最信任的一个品牌，为什么它有良好的信誉？

描述一次你因为信誉问题而拒绝和某人合作的经历。

谈谈你对中国社会信用体系的看法。

你如何维护自己的个人信誉？

如果你的信誉被误解了，你会怎么做？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. For a friend, it's more common to say '他很讲信用' (He keeps his word) or '他很靠谱' (He is reliable). Use '信誉' when talking about their professional standing.

Think of '信用' as your 'credit' (like a score or an action) and '信誉' as your 'reputation' (what people think of you). You use '信用' to get a '信誉' score.

Yes, '信誉' itself implies a positive quality. If you want to say someone has a bad reputation, you say their '信誉不好' (reputation is not good) or use the word '名声' (e.g., '坏名声').

The most common way is '损害某人的信誉' (sǔnhài mǒurén de xìnyù).

It means 'reputation level' or 'credit rating,' commonly used on shopping websites or in banking.

No, it is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'I 信誉 you.' You must say 'I trust you' (我信任你).

In a society that values 'Guanxi' (relationships) and 'Face,' your reputation is your social and economic currency.

It is an idiom meaning one's reputation is completely ruined, as if it were swept onto the ground like dust.

It refers to the rating of a seller based on customer reviews and successful transactions. Higher '信誉' means more trust.

Yes, '损害商业信誉罪' is a specific crime in Chinese law regarding the defamation of a business.