verb HSK 5
to break one's promise · to lose credibility · to go back on one's word
Meaning
失信 means to fail to keep a promise or commitment, thereby losing the trust of others. It combines 失 (to lose) and 信 (trust/faith/credibility). This term carries negative moral weight in Chinese culture, where keeping one's word is highly valued.
Usage
失信 is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who doesn't honor their commitments. It's commonly seen in legal, business, and personal relationship contexts. The term is often used to criticize unreliable behavior and can have serious social consequences in Chinese society.
Examples
- 01他多次失信，现在没有人愿意相信他了。, .He has broken his promises many times, and now no one is willing to trust him.
- 02企业如果对客户失信，就会失去市场竞争力。, .If a company breaks its promises to customers, it will lose market competitiveness.
Characters
Common collocations
- 失信于人to lose credibility with others
- 失信行为breach of trust behavior
- 失信记录record of broken promises/bad credit
- 严重失信serious breach of trust
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines the classical meanings of losing (失) one's trustworthiness or credibility (信), reflecting Confucian values where personal integrity and keeping promises are fundamental virtues.