"Yan er you xin" (keeping one's word) means that one's words count and that one keeps promises. It emphasizes that a person takes responsibility for their commitments and does not break their word easily. This idiom comes from The Analects, Xue Er: "In dealing with friends, keep your word." Confucius regarded integrity as an important principle for making friends and conducting oneself. In its deeper meaning, it is not simply "doing what one says," but also reflects a kind of moral self-discipline and respect for others: once words are spoken, they form an invisible contract; those who keep their word will do their utmost to fulfill it, while those who break it lose the trust of others. It is mostly used to evaluate a person's character or to urge others to keep promises, and is commonly seen on formal or semi-formal occasions, such as work, friendship, and business cooperation. In terms of cultural background, traditional Chinese culture has always valued "trustworthiness," listing it as one of the "Five Constant Virtues" (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness), and holds that "a person who lacks trustworthiness has no idea what he can do." Its emotional tone is positive, carrying a sense of affirmation, praise, or exhortation.
📝 Example
1. He promised to keep my secret, and true to his word, he never mentioned it to anyone else. (Describing him as someone who keeps his word and honors his promises.)
2. A person who is true to his word is more likely to win everyone's trust and support in a team. (Describing someone as trustworthy and reliable.)