承诺

• Pinyin: chéng nuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 承 = 手 (hand) + 了 + 丞, to bear/receive; 诺 = 讠(speech) + 若 (like), to promise

Meaning

To promise; to commit; commitment; pledge. A formal or serious promise to do something.

Can be used as both a verb (to promise) and a noun (a promise/commitment). More formal and weighty than 答应 (to agree). Often used in business, legal, political, and serious personal contexts. Implies responsibility and accountability.

Examples

1. 他承诺会在年底前完成这个项目。 He promised to complete this project by the end of the year.
2. 公司对员工做出了涨薪的承诺。 The company made a commitment to employees for salary increases.
3. 政府必须兑现对人民的承诺。 The government must honor its promises to the people.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, legal

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我承诺会保守这个秘密。(I promise to keep this secret.)
• 请履行你的承诺。(Please fulfill your commitment.)

Don't Say

• 日常小事用'答应'更自然，'承诺'比较正式 (For everyday small matters, 答应 is more natural — 承诺 is more formal and weighty)

Origin & History

Combines 承 (to bear/receive) with 诺 (to promise), emphasizing accepting the responsibility of a promise.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal