宣誓

• Pinyin: xuān shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 宣 = 宀(roof) + 亘 (extend); 誓 = 折 (break) + 言 (speech) — originally: a binding word that cannot be broken

Meaning

To take an oath; to swear. A formal declaration made in a public ceremony, pledging commitment to a role, cause, or belief.

Used in inauguration ceremonies, military induction, court proceedings, and party membership rites. In Chinese, 宣誓 is a serious act implying public accountability. Common collocations: 宣誓就职 (sworn into office), 宣誓效忠 (pledge allegiance).

Examples

1. 新任市长在数百名市民的见证下宣誓就职，承诺全力服务市民、推动城市发展。 The new mayor took the oath of office in front of hundreds of residents, pledging to serve the public wholeheartedly and promote the city’s development.
2. 每位新任法官都必须在宪法面前宣誓，保证依法独立公正地行使司法权。 Every newly appointed judge must swear an oath before the Constitution, pledging to exercise judicial power independently and impartially according to law.
3. 运动员在奥运会开幕式上代表全体参赛者宣誓，承诺遵守竞技规则、维护体育精神。 At the Olympic opening ceremony, an athlete took the oath on behalf of all competitors, promising to follow the rules of competition and uphold the spirit of sport.

Usage Guide

Context: ceremonies, legal, political, military

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 他在入党仪式上面向党旗庄严宣誓，声音洪亮，神情肃穆，令在场所有人深受感染。(He solemnly took the oath facing the party flag at the induction ceremony, his voice resonant and his expression grave, deeply moving everyone present.)
• 医学院毕业生集体宣誓遵守医师职业道德，立志以救死扶伤为己任，赢得全场热烈掌声。(Medical school graduates collectively pledged to uphold medical ethics and dedicated themselves to saving lives, earning warm applause from the entire audience.)

Don't Say

• 他宣誓明天早起 — 宣誓 requires a formal public context and binding commitment; for a casual personal promise use 保证 or 发誓; 宣誓 sounds overly ceremonial for everyday personal resolutions

Origin & History

宣 (to announce) + 誓 (oath/vow)

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal