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B1 adjective 9 min read

诚信的

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 诚信的 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 诚信的 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the deep philosophical roots of '诚信的' (chéngxìn de). Instead, think of it as a very special way to say 'good' or 'honest' (like '诚实' - chéngshí). At this stage, you might see this word on posters or in basic lessons about being a good person. The word is made of two parts: '诚' (sincere) and '信' (trust). You can remember it as 'someone who tells the truth and does what they say.' Even if you don't use it in daily conversation yet, knowing it helps you understand that Chinese people value trust very highly. If you see '诚信' on a sign in a bank or school, just know it means 'This is a place you can trust.' It is an important word for 'character.' You can use it in very simple sentences like 'He is a good, honest person' (他是一个诚信的人). Even though it's a B1 word, knowing the concept early helps you understand Chinese culture. Focus on the fact that '信' (xìn) also looks like the word for 'letter' or 'message'—because an honest person's message is always true!

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish '诚信的' (chéngxìn de) from the simpler '诚实' (chéngshí). While '诚实' is what you say when a child tells the truth about who broke the window, '诚信的' is a more 'grown-up' word. You will hear it when people talk about jobs, shops, and business. For example, if you go to a shop and the boss is very fair and doesn't overcharge you, you can say they are '诚信的'. You are learning more about '的' (de) as a way to describe people. In A2, you should practice the pattern: 'Subject + 是 + 诚信的' (Subject is honest/trustworthy). For example, '这个商店是诚信的' (This shop is trustworthy). This word is very useful when you want to give a high compliment to someone's character. It's not just about one time telling the truth; it's about being a person who always does the right thing. When you read short stories or news snippets, look for this word to see how it describes 'good' companies or 'good' leaders. It's a key part of the vocabulary for describing a person's personality (性格).

As a B1 learner, you should be using '诚信的' (chéngxìn de) in more formal contexts. This is your target level for this word. You should understand that this word is an adjective derived from the noun '诚信' (integrity). At this level, you are moving beyond simple descriptions and into social and professional topics. You might use '诚信的' in a job interview to describe yourself or your previous company. For example, '我是一个诚信的员工' (I am a trustworthy employee). You should also notice how it's used in the media regarding the 'Social Credit System' and 'Corporate Social Responsibility.' In B1, you start to see that '诚信' is not just a personal virtue but a social requirement. You should be able to explain *why* someone is '诚信的'—perhaps because they always honor their contracts or because they are honest with their customers. You can also start using the negative form '不诚信的' (dishonest/lacking integrity) to describe scams or bad business practices. This word helps you participate in discussions about ethics, society, and professional standards in Chinese.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '诚信的' (chéngxìn de) and be able to compare it with synonyms like '正直' (upright), '守信' (keeping promises), and '靠谱' (reliable). You should understand that '诚信的' is the most formal and comprehensive of these terms. At this level, you might encounter this word in legal texts, business contracts, or academic essays on ethics. You should be aware of the '诚实信用原则' (The Principle of Good Faith) in Chinese law, which is often shortened to '诚信原则'. When you write essays, you can use '诚信的' to discuss the foundations of a healthy economy or a stable society. You should also be able to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as '建立诚信的社会体系是当务之急' (Building a social system based on integrity is a matter of great urgency). You are expected to understand the cultural weight this word carries, linking back to Confucian ideas of 'Xin' (信). Your use of the word should reflect an understanding that integrity is a multi-dimensional concept involving sincerity, reliability, and social reputation.

For C1 learners, '诚信的' (chéngxìn de) is a word you should be able to analyze critically within the context of Chinese history and modern governance. You should be able to discuss the evolution of '诚信' from a traditional Confucian virtue to its role in the modern 'Social Credit System.' You might explore how the definition of '诚信的' has shifted in a market economy. In your speaking and writing, you should use this term to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. For example, you might debate whether a company can still be considered '诚信的' if it follows the letter of the law but ignores the spirit of social responsibility. You should also be familiar with idioms and classical references related to '诚信', such as '一诺千金' (a promise worth a thousand bars of gold). At this level, you aren't just using the word; you are using it to demonstrate a deep grasp of Chinese cultural logic and social values. You should be able to recognize when the word is being used in political rhetoric versus when it is being used in a genuine moral discussion. Your vocabulary should include related high-level terms like '契约精神' (spirit of contract) and '道德准则' (moral standards).

At the C2 level, '诚信的' (chéngxìn de) is part of your mastery of the Chinese linguistic and ethical landscape. You should be able to handle the word with the same nuance as a native speaker, recognizing its use in everything from ancient philosophical texts to the most modern legal statutes. You can engage in high-level academic or professional discourse about the 'crisis of integrity' (诚信危机) in modern society and propose solutions using sophisticated language. Your understanding should include the philosophical nuances between '诚' (the internal state of sincerity) and '信' (the external manifestation of trust). You should be able to critique literature or film based on the '诚信' of the characters, using the term to unlock deeper meanings in the narrative. In a professional setting, you might be the one drafting documents that define the '诚信' standards for an entire industry. You understand the word not just as an adjective, but as a fundamental pillar of the Chinese worldview. You can use it to explain the differences between Western concepts of 'integrity' and the Chinese '诚信', highlighting the emphasis on social harmony and relational trust in the latter.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

诚信的 in 30 Seconds

诚信的 (chéngxìn de) is a formal adjective for 'honest' and 'trustworthy,' combining sincerity with the reliability of keeping promises.
It is primarily used in professional, business, and moral contexts rather than casual, everyday situations.
The term is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is a key concept in the modern Social Credit System.
It differs from 诚实 (chéngshí) by emphasizing long-term integrity and reliability over just telling the truth.

The Chinese term 诚信的 (chéngxìn de) is a profound adjective that transcends the simple English translation of 'honest.' At its core, it represents a synthesis of two vital virtues: chéng (诚), meaning sincerity and truthfulness, and xìn (信), meaning trust, reliability, and keeping one's word. When you describe someone or something as 诚信的, you are not just saying they don't tell lies; you are asserting that they possess a deep-seated moral integrity and a consistent record of fulfilling their promises. This word is a cornerstone of Chinese social ethics, deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy where 'Xin' is one of the Five Constant Virtues.

Business Context: In the modern Chinese marketplace, being a 诚信的商家 (trustworthy merchant) is the highest honor. It implies that the business provides genuine products at fair prices and honors all warranties and contracts without exception.
Personal Character: Describing a friend as 诚信的人 suggests they are the person you would trust with your life savings or your deepest secrets. They are reliable and their actions always align with their words.

我们需要建立一个诚信的社会环境，让每个人都能互相信任。(We need to build a trustworthy social environment so that everyone can trust each other.)

The usage of 诚信的 is often more formal than chéngshí (诚实). While a child might be scolded for not being chéngshí (honest about eating a cookie), a corporation is criticized for not being chéngxìn (integrity-based). It carries a weight of social responsibility and long-term reputation. In the digital age, this term has gained even more prominence through the 'Social Credit System,' where chéngxìn serves as the metric for a citizen's or company's standing in society.

他是一个非常诚信的合作伙伴。(He is a very trustworthy business partner.)

Linguistic Nuance: The particle '的' (de) turns the noun 'integrity' (诚信) into an adjective. Without '的', it functions as a concept; with '的', it describes a person, company, or behavior.

Ultimately, the term functions as a moral compass. In literature and media, characters who are 诚信的 are often the protagonists or the 'upright officials' who resist corruption. In the context of global trade, Chinese exporters strive to be seen as chéngxìn to build lasting international relationships. It is a word that commands respect and implies a high standard of conduct that goes beyond merely following the law; it is about following one's internal moral code.

Using 诚信的 (chéngxìn de) correctly requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective or a predicative adjective. Most commonly, it precedes a noun to describe a quality. Because it is a formal and 'heavy' word, it is usually paired with nouns that relate to character, business, or systemic structures. You wouldn't typically use it for trivial matters. For example, you wouldn't say 'this is a 诚信的 apple' to mean it's a real apple; rather, you would say 'this is a 诚信的 seller' to mean the person selling it is honest about its origin and quality.

Attributive Usage (Before Nouns): The pattern is: [Adjective] + 的 + [Noun]. Example: 诚信的企业 (An integrity-based enterprise). Here, the word defines the core nature of the company.
Predicative Usage (After Verbs): The pattern is: [Subject] + 是 + [Adjective] + 的. Example: 他的行为是诚信的。 (His behavior is honest/trustworthy). This emphasizes the quality of the action.

我们要表彰那些诚信的纳税人。(We should commend those honest taxpayers.)

In complex sentences, 诚信的 often appears in discussions about social responsibility. For instance, when discussing the internet, one might talk about 诚信的网络空间 (a trustworthy cyberspace), referring to an online environment free of scams and misinformation. It is also frequently used in the negative to highlight a lack of integrity: 不诚信的行为 (dishonest behavior). Note that when negated, '不' (bù) is placed directly before '诚信'.

只有诚信的经营，才能获得长久的成功。(Only honest management can achieve long-term success.)

When writing, remember that 诚信的 is a 'positive' word. It carries a sense of moral praise. If you are describing someone who simply doesn't lie, chéngshí de (诚实的) is sufficient. If you are describing someone who honors contracts, maintains professional ethics, and is a pillar of reliability in a system, 诚信的 is the more accurate and respectful choice. It fits perfectly in formal letters, resumes, and academic essays about ethics.

You will encounter 诚信的 (chéngxìn de) in a variety of high-stakes environments in China. It is not a word of the playground, but a word of the boardroom, the courthouse, and the newsroom. Understanding its context helps you grasp the values of modern Chinese society. One of the most common places to hear it is on the news, specifically in segments regarding economic development or consumer protection. The government frequently promotes the building of a 诚信体系 (integrity system) to ensure that market participants play by the rules.

News & Media: News anchors often use the term when reporting on '诚信企业' (integrity enterprises) that have won awards for their ethical practices, or when warning against '不诚信' (dishonest) scammers.
Educational Settings: In schools, students are taught to be 诚信的学生. This means not cheating on exams, citing sources correctly, and being reliable in group projects.

作为一名诚信的员工，他从不虚报费用。(As a trustworthy employee, he never overreports expenses.)

Another common setting is in legal and contractual discussions. If a lawyer describes a party as 诚信的, they are implying that the party has acted in 'good faith' (诚实信用原则), which is a core principle in Chinese Contract Law. You might also see this word on posters in banks, government service centers, and public transport, reminding citizens that '诚信' is a social virtue that benefits everyone. It's part of the 'Core Socialist Values' (社会主义核心价值观) often displayed in public spaces across China.

政府呼吁建立更加诚信的市场环境。(The government calls for the establishment of a more integrity-based market environment.)

In the workplace, a manager might use this word during a performance review. To be called a 诚信的员工 (an employee with integrity) is often more valuable than being called a 'talented' one, as it implies long-term loyalty and reliability. In social circles, if you are introducing a friend to a potential business partner, saying '他是一个诚信的人' is the strongest recommendation you can give. It bridges the gap between personal friendship and professional trust.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 诚信的 (chéngxìn de) is confusing it with chéngshí de (诚实的). While they both translate to 'honest,' their registers and scopes are different. Chéngshí is usually used for individuals, especially children, and refers specifically to the act of not lying. 诚信的 is broader; it includes 'keeping promises' (信) and 'moral integrity' (诚). You wouldn't call a child '诚信' for admitting they broke a vase; you would call them '诚实'. Conversely, you wouldn't call a bank's complex financial ethics '诚实'; you would call them '诚信'.

Mistake 1: Over-usage in Casual Situations: Using 诚信的 when you just mean 'honest' in a casual conversation. Example: 'Are you being 诚信 about what you ate for lunch?' sounds very strange. Use 诚实 instead.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the 'De' (的): Learners often say '他是一个诚信人' instead of '他是一个诚信的人'. While '诚信' can sometimes act as a prefix in compound nouns (like 诚信企业), in general description, the '的' is necessary.

Incorrect: 这是一个诚实的合同。(This is an honest contract.)
Correct: 这是一个诚信的合同。(This is a contract based on integrity/good faith.)

Another common error is misunderstanding the '信' (xìn) component. Some students think it only refers to 'letters' or 'mail' (as in xìnfēng - envelope). In 诚信, it specifically refers to xìnyòng (credit/trust). Therefore, 诚信的 is closely tied to financial and social credit. If you describe a deal as 诚信的, you are saying both parties will honor the terms, not just that they aren't lying to each other.

Incorrect: 他不诚信，他刚才说谎了。(He is not 'integrity', he just lied.)
Correct: 他不诚实，他刚才说谎了。(He is not honest, he just lied.)

Finally, avoid using 诚信的 to describe inanimate objects unless they are systems or organizations. You can have a 诚信的机构 (integrity-based institution) but not a 诚信的椅子 (integrity-based chair). For objects, use words like zhēn de (真的 - real) or huòzhēn-jiàshí de (货真价实的 - genuine). Understanding these boundaries will make your Chinese sound much more natural and sophisticated.

To truly master 诚信的 (chéngxìn de), you must see where it fits in the family of words related to truth and reliability. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for these concepts, each with a specific flavor. 诚信的 is the 'gold standard' for professional and moral integrity. However, depending on the context, other words might be more appropriate. For example, if you want to emphasize that someone is 'straightforward' and 'upright,' you might use zhèngzhí de (正直的). If you want to say someone is 'reliable' in a practical, everyday sense, kàopǔ de (靠谱的) is the go-to slang.

诚信的 vs. 诚实的 (Chéngxìn vs. Chéngshí): 诚信的 is about character and social trust; 诚实的 is about not lying. You can be 诚实 (honest about a mistake) without necessarily being 诚信 (having a long-term reputation for integrity).
诚信的 vs. 靠谱的 (Chéngxìn vs. Kàopǔ): 靠谱的 is informal and means 'reliable' or 'dependable.' You'd use it for a friend who shows up on time. 诚信的 is formal and suggests a moral foundation.

虽然他说话很直接，但他是一个正直的人。(Although he speaks directly, he is an upright person.)

Other alternatives include shǒuxìn de (守信的), which specifically focuses on 'keeping one's word' or 'being punctual with promises.' While 诚信的 includes this, shǒuxìn is more narrow. Then there is zhēnchéng de (真诚的), which means 'sincere' or 'heartfelt.' You would use zhēnchéng to describe a person's feelings or an apology, whereas 诚信 describes their principled nature. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that best matches the intensity and formality of your situation.

我们期待与守信的伙伴长期合作。(We look forward to long-term cooperation with partners who keep their word.)

Finally, consider the word zhōngshí de (忠实的), which means 'loyal' or 'faithful.' While a 诚信的 person is usually loyal, zhōngshí emphasizes the bond between two people or a person and an organization (like a 'loyal fan' - zhōngshí fǎnshī). In contrast, 诚信的 is about a person's relationship with the truth and their own moral code. By learning these synonyms, you build a more nuanced map of Chinese ethics and social interaction.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '信' (xìn) is composed of '人' (person) and '言' (speech), literally meaning 'a person's word.' If a person's word is good, they have 'Xin'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃʰʌŋ˧˥ ɕin˥˩ dɤ/

US /tʃʰʌŋ˧˥ ɕin˥˩ dɤ/

Primary stress on 'xìn', secondary on 'chéng'.

Rhymes With

正 (zhèng) 定 (dìng) 命 (mìng) 性 (xìng) 庆 (qìng) 等 (děng) 冷 (lěng) 灯 (dēng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chéng' with a flat tone (1st tone) instead of rising.
Pronouncing 'xìn' with a rising tone (2nd tone) like 'xín'.
Mixing up 'sh' and 'x' sounds for the 'x' in 'xìn'.
Failing to aspirate the 'ch' in 'chéng'.
Over-stressing the 'de' particle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are somewhat complex but very common in public life.

Writing 4/5

Writing '诚' and '信' requires attention to stroke order and radicals.

Speaking 3/5

The tones are distinct (2nd and 4th), requiring clear articulation.

Listening 2/5

Very easy to recognize in news and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

诚实 (chéngshí) 相信 (xiāngxìn) 朋友 (péngyǒu) 好的 (hǎo de) 人 (rén)

Learn Next

正直 (zhèngzhí) 守信 (shǒuxìn) 信用 (xìnyòng) 原则 (yuánzé) 道德 (dàodé)

Advanced

契约精神 (qìyuē jīngshén) 社会责任 (shèhuì zérèn) 诚实信用原则 (chéngshí xìnyòng yuánzé)

Grammar to Know

Adjective + 的 + Noun

诚信的员工 (Trustworthy employee)

Subject + 是 + Adjective + 的

他是诚信的。 (He is trustworthy.)

Very/Quite + Adjective

他非常诚信。 (He is very honest.)

Negative '不' + Adjective

这种行为是不诚信的。 (This behavior is dishonest.)

Noun usage of 诚信

诚信是金。 (Integrity is gold.)

Examples by Level

他是一个诚信的人。

He is a [trustworthy] person.

Simple Subject + 是 + Adjective + 的 + Noun pattern.

诚信的小朋友不说谎。

[Honest] children do not tell lies.

Using the adjective to describe a person (child).

我们要学习诚信。

We need to learn [integrity].

Here '诚信' is used as a noun.

这个商店很诚信。

This shop is very [trustworthy].

Adjective describing a business.

诚信是很重要的。

[Integrity] is very important.

Abstract concept as the subject.

我的朋友很诚信。

My friend is very [trustworthy].

Simple description of a person.

诚信的老师受到学生欢迎。

[Trustworthy] teachers are welcomed by students.

Adjective modifying 'teacher'.

做一个诚信的孩子。

Be an [honest] child.

Imperative sentence using the adjective.

诚信的商家不会卖假货。

[Trustworthy] merchants will not sell fake goods.

Common business context for A2.

他是一个讲诚信的人。

He is a person who [practices integrity].

'讲诚信' is a common verb-object phrase.

诚信的合作对大家都好。

[Honest] cooperation is good for everyone.

Describing 'cooperation' (合作).

我们要建立诚信的关系。

We need to build a [trustworthy] relationship.

Describing a 'relationship' (关系).

诚信的表现会得到奖励。

[Honest] behavior will be rewarded.

Describing 'behavior' or 'performance' (表现).

这是一个诚信的公司。

This is a [trustworthy] company.

Describing an organization.

他因为不诚信失去了朋友。

He lost friends because of [lack of integrity].

Negative context '不诚信'.

诚信的待人是我的原则。

Treating people with [integrity] is my principle.

Using '诚信的' as part of an adverbial phrase (though '的' is used here).

诚信的企业在市场上更有竞争力。

[Integrity-based] enterprises are more competitive in the market.

Linking integrity to market success.

作为一名诚信的员工，他赢得了老板的信任。

As a [trustworthy] employee, he won the boss's trust.

Professional context.

我们应该提倡诚信的社会风气。

We should promote a social atmosphere of [integrity].

Describing 'social atmosphere' (社会风气).

诚信的经营是企业长久发展的基石。

[Honest] management is the cornerstone of a company's long-term development.

Metaphorical usage.

政府正在建设诚信的信用体系。

The government is building a [trustworthy] credit system.

Context of the Social Credit System.

只有诚信的人才能获得真正的成功。

Only [trustworthy] people can achieve true success.

Conditional sentence '只有...才'.

这是一个诚信的法律合同。

This is a legal contract based on [integrity/good faith].

Legal context.

他以诚信的品质闻名于社区。

He is famous in the community for his quality of [integrity].

Describing 'quality' (品质).

诚信的原则在国际贸易中至关重要。

The principle of [integrity/good faith] is crucial in international trade.

Abstract principle in global context.

这家公司建立了诚信的档案。

This company has established an [integrity] file.

Systemic/Administrative context.

诚信的行为不仅是道德要求，也是法律义务。

[Honest] behavior is not only a moral requirement but also a legal obligation.

Comparing morality and law.

他坚持诚信的底线，拒绝了贿赂。

He stuck to his bottom line of [integrity] and refused the bribe.

Using '诚信的底线' (bottom line of integrity).

建立诚信的网络环境需要大家的共同努力。

Building a [trustworthy] online environment requires everyone's joint efforts.

Digital/Cyber context.

诚信的评价体系正在逐渐完善。

The [integrity] evaluation system is gradually being perfected.

Describing an 'evaluation system' (评价体系).

他在处理危机时表现出了诚信的态度。

He showed an [honest] attitude when handling the crisis.

Describing 'attitude' (态度).

诚信的理念已经深入人心。

The concept of [integrity] has already taken deep root in people's hearts.

Using '理念' (concept/philosophy).

诚信的缺失会导致社会契约的崩塌。

The lack of [integrity] can lead to the collapse of the social contract.

High-level sociological discussion.

在现代金融体系中，诚信的价值无法估量。

In the modern financial system, the value of [integrity] is immeasurable.

Economic/Financial context.

他以诚信的操守赢得了业界的广泛尊重。

He won widespread respect in the industry with his [integrity-based] conduct/ethics.

Using '操守' (moral integrity/conduct).

诚信的文化底蕴是中国传统文化的重要组成部分。

The cultural heritage of [integrity] is an important part of traditional Chinese culture.

Cultural/Historical analysis.

我们需要构建一个诚信的司法体系来维护公平正义。

We need to construct a [trustworthy] judicial system to maintain fairness and justice.

Judicial/Political context.

诚信的缺失不仅是个人悲剧，更是体制的漏洞。

The lack of [integrity] is not only a personal tragedy but also a systemic loophole.

Systemic critique.

他倡导一种诚信的生活方式，拒绝虚伪虚荣。

He advocates for an [honest] lifestyle, rejecting hypocrisy and vanity.

Describing 'lifestyle' (生活方式).

诚信的建立是一个漫长而艰辛的过程。

The establishment of [integrity] is a long and arduous process.

Abstract process as subject.

诚信的本体论意义在于其对主体道德人格的塑造。

The ontological significance of [integrity] lies in its shaping of the subject's moral personality.

Philosophical/Ontological discussion.

在全球化背景下，诚信的跨境流动面临诸多挑战。

In the context of globalization, the cross-border flow of [integrity/trust] faces many challenges.

Global/Macro-economic context.

他深入剖析了现代社会中诚信的异化现象。

He deeply analyzed the phenomenon of the alienation of [integrity] in modern society.

Critical theory context.

诚信的契约精神是现代法治社会的基石。

The spirit of [integrity-based] contract is the cornerstone of a modern society ruled by law.

Legal philosophy.

通过技术手段构建诚信的算法，是人工智能伦理的重要课题。

Constructing [trustworthy] algorithms through technical means is an important topic in AI ethics.

Technological/Ethics context.

诚信的缺失在一定程度上反映了转型期社会的信仰危机。

The lack of [integrity] to some extent reflects the crisis of faith in a society in transition.

Sociopolitical analysis.

他撰写了一部关于诚信的史学巨著，探讨了千年来信用的演变。

He wrote a monumental historical work on [integrity], exploring the evolution of credit over a thousand years.

Academic/Historical context.

诚信的重建需要从教育、立法和舆论监督多方面入手。

The reconstruction of [integrity] needs to start from education, legislation, and public opinion supervision.

Policy-oriented discussion.

Common Collocations

诚信的企业

诚信的品质

诚信的原则

诚信的社会

诚信的经营

诚信的档案

诚信的评价

诚信的文化

诚信的待人

诚信的考试

Common Phrases

讲诚信

— To practice or emphasize integrity.

做生意一定要讲诚信。

诚信缺失

— A lack of integrity/trustworthiness.

社会上存在诚信缺失的问题。

诚信档案

— Credit or integrity records.

诚信档案会影响你的贷款。

诚信体系

— Integrity or credit system.

国家正在完善诚信体系。

诚信经营

— Operating a business with integrity.

诚信经营是企业的生命线。

诚信自律

— Integrity and self-discipline.

行业协会要求诚信自律。

诚信红榜

— Integrity honor roll/red list.

这家公司登上了诚信红榜。

诚信宣誓

— Oath of integrity.

学生们进行了诚信宣誓。

诚信危机

— Crisis of integrity/trust.

我们需要解决诚信危机。

诚信承诺书

— Letter of commitment to integrity.

请签署这份诚信承诺书。

Often Confused With

诚信的 vs 诚实 (chéngshí)

诚实 is specifically about not lying, while 诚信 is about long-term moral integrity and reliability.

诚信的 vs 相信 (xiāngxìn)

相信 is a verb meaning 'to believe,' while 诚信 is a noun/adjective meaning 'integrity/honest'.

诚信的 vs 信心 (xìnxīn)

信心 means 'confidence' or 'faith,' not moral honesty.

Idioms & Expressions

"一诺千金"

— A promise that is worth a thousand bars of gold; a very reliable person.

他一诺千金，绝对不会反悔。

Literary/Formal

"言而有信"

— To be as good as one's word; to keep one's promises.

做一个言而有信的人。

Neutral/Formal

"诚实守信"

— Honest and trustworthy (the full four-character version).

我们要诚实守信，遵纪守法。

Formal/Idiomatic

"推心置腹"

— To treat someone with total sincerity; to bare one's heart.

他们进行了一次推心置腹的谈话。

Formal

"光明磊落"

— Open and aboveboard; having nothing to hide.

他的为人光明磊落。

Formal

"言行一致"

— Actions match words; consistency in what one says and does.

他是一个言行一致的人。

Neutral/Formal

"货真价实"

— Genuine goods at a fair price; the real deal.

这里的商品货真价实。

Neutral/Business

"童叟无欺"

— Cheating neither the old nor the young; honest with everyone.

这家老店童叟无欺。

Literary/Business

"开诚布公"

— To speak frankly and sincerely; open and sincere.

我们开诚布公地谈一谈吧。

Formal

"真心实意"

— Wholehearted and sincere; genuine intention.

他是真心实意想帮你的。

Neutral

Easily Confused

诚信的 vs 诚恳

Both start with '诚'.

诚恳 (chéngkěn) means 'sincere' or 'earnest' in manner, while 诚信 refers to moral character.

他诚恳地向我道歉。

诚信的 vs 信誉

Both involve '信'.

信誉 (xìnyù) is a noun meaning 'reputation' or 'prestige,' while 诚信 is the virtue itself.

这家公司的信誉很好。

诚信的 vs 正直

Both describe good character.

正直 (zhèngzhí) means 'upright' or 'straightforward,' focusing on fairness, whereas 诚信 focuses on trust.

他是个正直的人，从不偏袒任何人。

诚信的 vs 忠诚

Both involve '诚'.

忠诚 (zhōngchéng) means 'loyal' or 'faithful' to a person or cause, not necessarily honest in general.

他对国家非常忠诚。

诚信的 vs 靠谱

Both mean reliable.

靠谱 (kàopǔ) is casual and means someone gets things done; 诚信 is formal and moral.

他做事很靠谱。

Sentence Patterns

他是一个诚信的人。

He is an honest person.

这个[商店/公司]很诚信。

This [shop/company] is very trustworthy.

我们要坚持诚信的原则。

We must adhere to the principle of integrity.

诚信的经营对企业很重要。

Honest management is important for a business.

建立诚信的社会体系是我们的目标。

Building a trustworthy social system is our goal.

诚信的缺失导致了信任危机。

The lack of integrity led to a trust crisis.

诚信的本体论意义值得深入探讨。

The ontological meaning of integrity is worth deep exploration.

他以诚信的操守赢得了尊重。

He won respect with his integrity-based conduct.

Word Family

Nouns

诚信 (Integrity)

信誉 (Reputation/Credit)

信用 (Credit)

诚意 (Sincerity/Goodwill)

Verbs

讲诚信 (To practice integrity)

守信 (To keep one's word)

信赖 (To trust/rely on)

Adjectives

诚信的 (Trustworthy)

诚实的 (Honest)

可信的 (Credible)

道德 (Morality)

契约 (Contract)

名誉 (Honor)

良心 (Conscience)

公正 (Fairness)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in business, media, and education; moderate in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '诚信' for small children's lies. → Use '诚实' (chéngshí).
诚信 is too formal for minor personal lies; it's for moral integrity and business.
Saying '他是一个诚信人' (Missing '的'). → 他是一个诚信的人。
Adjectives usually need '的' to modify a noun in this structure.
Confusing '诚信' with '相信'. → 诚信 (Integrity) vs 相信 (To believe).
One is a character trait, the other is an action/verb.
Using '诚信' to mean 'confident'. → Use '自信' (zìxìn) or '信心' (xìnxīn).
Learners see '信' and assume it means confidence.
Describing a '诚信的' fruit or object. → Use '真的' or '正宗的'.
诚信 is for human/organizational character, not physical authenticity.

Tips

Resume Power

Using '诚信的' on your Chinese resume is a powerful way to signal your reliability and moral character to employers.

Confucian Roots

Remember that 'Chengxin' is part of a 2,000-year-old moral tradition. It carries more weight than just 'honesty'.

The 'De' Rule

Always include '的' when using '诚信' to describe a noun directly, like '诚信的伙伴'.

Business Essential

If you are doing business in China, '诚信' is the most important word to know and demonstrate.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure 'xìn' (4th tone) is sharp and falling. If you say it with a rising tone, it sounds like 'punishment' (刑 - xíng).

News Keyword

Whenever you hear '经济' (economy) on the news, listen for '诚信'—they are almost always mentioned together.

Character Tip

The '言' radical in both characters reminds you that 'Chengxin' is about the truth of your words.

Building Trust

To build 'Guanxi' (connections), you must first prove that you are '诚信的'.

Chengxin vs. Kaopu

Use 'Chengxin' for serious character/business; use 'Kaopu' for casual reliability.

The Sincere Letter

Think of 'Cheng' as sincere and 'Xin' as a letter. A 'Chengxin' person sends sincere letters (words).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Cheng' as 'Change' (sincere hearts change the world) and 'Xin' as 'X-ray' (you can see through a trustworthy person's words because they are clear and true).

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing next to their words, and the words are a solid bridge that others can walk across safely.

Word Web

Business Truth Contract Friendship Reputation Law Heart Promise

Challenge

Try to find three examples of '诚信' in your daily life today. Was the bus on time? Did a friend keep a promise? Write them down using '诚信的'.

Word Origin

The term is a compound of '诚' (chéng) and '信' (xìn). '诚' appears in the 'Book of Rites' (礼记) as a fundamental cosmic and moral principle. '信' is one of the Five Constant Virtues of Confucianism.

Original meaning: The union of internal sincerity of the heart and the external reliability of one's words and actions.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'Chengxin' with blind obedience; it is about moral principles, not just following orders.

Similar to 'Integrity' or 'Good Faith' in Western legal and ethical traditions, but with a stronger emphasis on social harmony and interpersonal reliability.

Confucius' Analects: 'I do not know how a man without truthfulness (信) is to get on.' The Social Credit System (社会信用体系). Mencius: 'Sincerity (诚) is the way of Heaven.'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

我是一名诚信的员工。
我非常看重诚信。
诚信是我的职业准则。
诚信的工作态度。

Business Negotiation

诚信的合作伙伴。
诚信经营的原则。
建立诚信的关系。
诚信的商业合同。

School/Education

诚信考试。
诚信的学生。
诚信教育周。
诚信是做人之本。

Legal/Contracts

诚信原则。
不诚信的行为。
维护诚信的环境。
诚信的法律义务。

Public Service

诚信纳税。
诚信市民。
诚信档案管理。
共建诚信社会。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在工作中，诚信的品质重要吗？ (Do you think the quality of integrity is important at work?)"

"你曾经遇到过非常诚信的商家吗？ (Have you ever encountered a very honest merchant?)"

"如何才能建立一个诚信的社会？ (How can we build a trustworthy society?)"

"如果一个朋友不诚信，你还会和他交往吗？ (If a friend lacks integrity, would you still associate with them?)"

"在你的国家，诚信的定义是什么？ (In your country, what is the definition of integrity?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你身边一个诚信的人，他做了什么让你觉得他很诚信？ (Write about a person around you who has integrity; what did they do to make you feel that way?)

描述一次你坚持诚信原则的经历。 (Describe an experience where you stuck to the principle of integrity.)

讨论一下诚信对商业成功的重要性。 (Discuss the importance of integrity for business success.)

你认为现代社会的诚信危机主要表现在哪些方面？ (In what aspects do you think the integrity crisis of modern society is mainly manifested?)

如果你是一家公司的老板，你如何培养诚信的企业文化？ (If you were the boss of a company, how would you cultivate a corporate culture of integrity?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can, but '诚实' (chéngshí) is much more common for children. '诚信' sounds very formal, like you are describing the child as a professional adult. For example, '他是一个诚实的孩子' is better than '他是一个诚信的孩子'.

'诚信' is a noun (integrity). '诚信的' is an adjective (honest/trustworthy). For example: '诚信很重要' (Integrity is important) vs '诚信的商人' (An honest merchant).

Yes, it is the core concept. The system is often called '社会信用体系' (Social Credit System), and being '诚信' is the goal for every citizen and business.

You can say '不诚信' (bù chéngxìn). For example, '他的行为不诚信' (His behavior lacks integrity).

Yes, 'Xin' (信) is one of the Five Constant Virtues in Confucianism. It has been a central part of Chinese ethics for over 2,000 years.

Generally, no. It is for people, businesses, and systems. For a real diamond, use '真的' (zhēn de) or '货真价实' (huòzhēn jiàshí).

Yes, it is quite formal. In casual conversation with friends, you would more likely use '靠谱' (kàopǔ) to mean someone is reliable.

Very much so. It is the basis for credit (信用) and business deals. A '诚信' person is someone who pays their debts on time.

It is the 'Principle of Good Faith' in Chinese law, requiring parties to be honest and keep their word in contracts.

Saying '这家店很诚信' (This shop is very honest/trustworthy) is one of the best compliments you can give.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence describing a trustworthy company using '诚信的'.

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

Uses the basic structure to describe a company.