Chinese Idioms 一言为定
Chinese Idioms With Easy Explanations & Fun Educational Activities：
一言为定 yì yán wéi dìng
Learning Chinese idioms (成语) can be a fun and meaningful way to understand Chinese language and culture. It is however, not easy for children learning Chinese and English speakers to understand what they mean. And, Chinese idioms dictionaries often have explanations that need explanations themselves.
Not to worry! We have carefully written clear explanations in English for you. We have also added the equivalent English idioms and expressions so it’s super easy to understand! By the end of this blog post, you would have learned one more Chinese idiom!
Let’s dive into a Chinese idiom: 一言为定 (yì yán wéi dìng). This is a very useful Chinese idiom that is rich in cultural meaning.
Literal Meaning
The literal meaning of the Chinese Idioms 一言为定 (yì yán wéi ding) is “One word, confirmed.” This implies that once someone says something, it is set in stone and cannot be changed.
Definition
That’s settled then; once something is agreed upon, it has to be delivered.
This idiom is used to express a firm agreement or promise. It reflects the idea that words carry weight and must be honored. If someone says, “ 一言为定 (yì yán wéi ding)” it means they are making a serious commitment that they intend to keep.
Similar English Idioms 相似英文习语
While the cultural nuances may differ, 一言为定 (yì yán wéi ding) can be compared to English expressions like:
- It’s a deal!
- It’s a date!
- Pinky promise.
Each of these conveys a sense of trust and mutual agreement.
Example 例句
Let’s see how this idiom can be used in everyday life:
中文：以后每个礼拜五晚上9点一起上线玩麦块吧，一言为定喔！
Pinyin：Yǐhòu měi ge lǐbài wǔ wǎnshàng 9 diǎn yì qǐ shàngxiàn wán mài kuài ba, Yì yán wéi dìng ō!
English translation：Let’s meet online and play Minecraft every Friday at 9pm! It’s a date!
This sentence highlights how 一言为定 (yì yán wéi ding) is used to seal a friendly agreement. Whether it’s a gaming plan, a promise between friends, or a family commitment, this idiom emphasizes reliability and trust.
Cultural Insights
In traditional Chinese culture, a person’s word is considered a reflection of their character. Keeping promises and staying true to one’s word 言而有信（yán ér yǒu xìn） are deeply valued virtues. Conversely, breaking a promise 言而无信（yán ér wú xìn） is frowned upon and can damage one’s reputation.
Historically, idioms like 一言为定 (yì yán wéi ding) symbolize the importance of honesty and trustworthiness. The phrase reminds us of the timeless value of integrity in relationships, whether personal or professional.
Related Idioms
To deepen your understanding, here are some similar idioms 相似词:
- 一言九鼎 (yì yán jiǒ dǐng): A word that carries the weight of nine tripods, signifying great credibility.
- 一诺千金 (yì nuò qiān jīn): A promise worth a thousand pieces of gold, meaning a commitment of great value.
- 言而有信 (yán ér yǒu xìn): Words matched by actions, highlighting the importance of being trustworthy.
And here are some opposite expressions 相反词:
- 出尔反尔 (chū ěr fǎng ěr): Withdraw on one’s word.
- 言而无信 (yán ér wú xìn): Words without credibility.
- 背信弃义 (bèi xìn qì yì): Betraying trust and abandoning loyalty to your friends.
These phrases offer a broader perspective on the expressions associated with honesty and integrity in Chinese culture.
Fun Educational Activities for Kids
Want to make learning this idiom even more enjoyable? Here are some fun activities:
- Watch the Draw-along Chengyu Video featuring Dim Sum Warriors’ cartoonist and teacher. Together, they bring the story of 一言为定（yì yán wéi dìng）to life through engaging visuals and interesting background stories.
Let’s draw the characters, learn the meanings, and listen to the stories all at once!
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- Promise Game: Gather your friends or family and take turns making promises. For each promise, say “一言为定（yì yán wéi dìng）!” to seal it. The next day, check who kept their promises. If someone doesn’t keep their word, say “言而无信（yán ér wú xìn）!”
- Story Writing: Encourage kids to write a short story featuring a character who always says “一言为定（yì yán wéi dìng）” and keeps their promises. Kids can draw Shazam like Uncle Colin, or brainstorm for their own characters, and share the story with the idiom “一言为定（yì yán wéi dìng）”.
Understanding idioms like 一言为定（yì yán wéi dìng） not only enhances your language skills but also connects you to the heart of traditional Chinese culture. So, next time when you make a promise, remember：
一言为定! It’s a deal!
