秉承

• Pinyin: bǐng chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 秉 = 禾 (grain) + hand holding, meaning to grasp; 承 = hands receiving from above, meaning to inherit or continue

Meaning

To uphold; to carry on; to adhere to. Used for continuing traditions, principles, or values.

A formal verb indicating faithful continuation of inherited values, principles, or legacies. Common in corporate mission statements, political discourse, and discussions of tradition. More literary than 继承 or 坚持.

Examples

1. 这家百年老店秉承祖传工艺，始终坚持手工制作。 This century-old shop upholds ancestral craftsmanship and always insists on handmade production.
2. 我们秉承客户至上的理念，不断提升服务质量。 We adhere to the customer-first philosophy and continuously improve service quality.
3. 他秉承父亲的遗志，继续从事教育事业。 He carries on his father's dying wish and continues to work in education.

Usage Guide

Context: corporate, traditional, official

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 本公司秉承诚信经营的原则。(Our company upholds the principle of operating with integrity.)
• 秉承先辈的精神，我们继续前行。(Carrying on the spirit of our predecessors, we continue forward.)

Don't Say

• 我秉承了朋友的建议去吃了那家餐厅。(Don't use 秉承 for casual advice — it's for values and traditions)

Origin & History

秉 (to hold, grasp) + 承 (to receive, continue). Together meaning to hold onto and carry forward.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated/Professional