让步

• Pinyin: ràng bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 让 = 言 + 襄 (speech + surround — to verbally yield); 步 = 止 + 少 (stop/foot — a step)

Meaning

To make a concession; to yield; to give ground in a negotiation, argument, or conflict. Implies compromise under pressure or for the sake of reaching an agreement.

Used in diplomatic talks, commercial negotiations, personal disputes, and international relations. 相互让步 (mutual concessions) is a key concept in conflict resolution. 在原则问题上不让步 (no concession on matters of principle) is a standard political expression.

Examples

1. 经过多轮艰苦磋商，谈判双方最终各自作出了适度让步，签署了框架协议。 After multiple rounds of hard bargaining, both sides ultimately made moderate concessions and signed a framework agreement.
2. 为了维护这段珍贵的友谊，她选择在这件小事上主动让步。 To protect this precious friendship, she chose to give in on this small matter.
3. 在涉及国家主权的原则性问题上绝不让步，是这位外交官一贯坚守的立场。 Never making concessions on matters of principle involving national sovereignty is a position this diplomat has consistently upheld.

Usage Guide

Context: negotiation, diplomacy, personal relationships, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 贸易谈判的成功离不开双方在关键议题上的相互让步与灵活变通。(The success of trade negotiations is inseparable from both parties making mutual concessions and demonstrating flexibility on key issues.)
• 她意识到一味坚持己见只会加剧矛盾，于是决定适度让步，为双方找到一个都能接受的解决方案。(She realised that stubbornly insisting on her own position would only intensify the conflict, so she decided to make a moderate concession and find a solution both parties could accept.)

Don't Say

• 他让步了这道题给我 — use 他把这道题让给了我 or 他谦让了这道题; 让步 means to concede ground in a dispute, not to yield a physical object or opportunity to someone

Origin & History

让 (yield/give way) + 步 (step) — to take a step back and give way to the other party

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal