shuō huà bù suàn huà: 说话不算话 - To Not Keep One's Word, To Go Back on a Promise

• Keywords: 说话不算话, shuo hua bu suan hua, Chinese for break a promise, not keep your word, unreliable in Chinese, go back on one's word, Chinese culture, integrity, trustworthiness, Chinese idiom
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese phrase “说话不算话 (shuō huà bù suàn huà),” which means to not keep one's word or to go back on a promise. This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance related to trust and “face,” and provides 10 practical example sentences to help you understand why this is a serious accusation in modern China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shuō huà bù suàn huà
• Part of Speech: Idiomatic Expression / Verb Phrase
• HSK Level: N/A (but components are HSK 1-3)
• Concise Definition: To say words that don't count; to not keep one's promise.
• In a Nutshell: “说话不算话” is a common and powerful phrase used to describe someone who fails to do what they said they would. It's not just about changing your mind; it's a direct criticism of someone's lack of reliability and integrity. It implies a promise was made and then broken, making the person untrustworthy.

• 说 (shuō): To speak, to say.
• 话 (huà): Word(s), speech, talk.
• 不 (bù): Not, no.
• 算 (suàn): To count, to calculate, to be considered as.
• 话 (huà): Word(s), speech, talk.

The phrase literally translates to “speaking words (说话) that don't count as words (不算话).” The first “话” is the action of speaking, while the second “话” is the substance of the promise. The phrase elegantly captures the idea that the promises spoken have become meaningless and void.

In Chinese culture, one's word is deeply connected to their personal honor, integrity, and social standing, a concept encapsulated by 信 (xìn - trustworthiness). The traditional saying “言必信，行必果 (yán bì xìn, xíng bì guǒ)“—meaning “one's words must be trustworthy, and one's actions must be decisive”—is a cornerstone of personal virtue. Therefore, accusing someone of being “说话不算话” is more than just calling them “flaky,” as one might in Western culture. While “flaky” often implies forgetfulness or poor time management, “说话不算话” is a direct challenge to a person's character. It suggests they are fundamentally unreliable and lack integrity, which can cause them to lose face (丢面子 - diū miànzi) and damage relationships (关系 - guānxi) significantly. In business and personal life, being known as someone who is “说话不算话” can lead to social and professional isolation.

This phrase is almost always used in a negative and critical context. It's an accusation or a complaint. You can use it in various situations, from casual friendships to serious business negotiations.

• In Personal Relationships: Used among friends, family, or romantic partners to express disappointment and frustration when a promise is broken. For example, a friend who constantly cancels plans at the last minute.
• With Children: Parents often use this phrase to teach their children the importance of keeping promises. “你要说到做到，不能说话不算话” (You must do what you say, you can't be someone who breaks promises).
• In Business: This is a very serious accusation in a professional setting. If a business partner “说话不算话,” it implies they have breached an agreement or acted in bad faith, destroying trust.
• Formality: The phrase itself is informal and conversational, but the weight it carries makes it suitable for both casual complaints and serious confrontations.

• Example 1:
  • 你答应过要帮我的，现在怎么又不管了？你这人太说话不算话了！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ dāyìng guò yào bāng wǒ de, xiànzài zěnme yòu bù guǎn le? Nǐ zhè rén tài shuō huà bù suàn huà le!
  • English: You promised you would help me, why are you backing out now? You're so unreliable!
  • Analysis: This is a direct accusation, expressing strong disappointment and frustration with a friend or colleague.
• Example 2:
  • 做人要诚实，不能说话不算话，不然以后没人会相信你。
  • Pinyin: Zuòrén yào chéngshí, bùnéng shuō huà bù suàn huà, bùrán yǐhòu méi rén huì xiāngxìn nǐ.
  • English: To be a good person, you must be honest and not go back on your word, otherwise no one will trust you in the future.
  • Analysis: This sentence states a general principle, often used as advice or a moral lesson.
• Example 3:
  • 这家公司说话不算话，我们签了合同，他们却单方面提高了价格。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī shuō huà bù suàn huà, wǒmen qiān le hétóng, tāmen què dān方面 tígāo le jiàgé.
  • English: This company doesn't keep its word; we signed a contract, but they unilaterally raised the price.
  • Analysis: A serious complaint in a business context, indicating a breach of contract and bad faith.
• Example 4:
  • 爸爸，你昨天说好今天带我去公园的。你可不能说话不算话啊！
  • Pinyin: Bàba, nǐ zuótiān shuō hǎo jīntiān dài wǒ qù gōngyuán de. Nǐ kě bùnéng shuō huà bù suàn huà a!
  • English: Dad, you promised yesterday you'd take me to the park today. You can't go back on your word!
  • Analysis: A child using the phrase toward a parent. The tone is pleading and reminds the parent of their promise.
• Example 5:
  • 我不是说话不算话，是真的有急事，我们改天再约好吗？
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bùshì shuō huà bù suàn huà, shì zhēn de yǒu jíshì, wǒmen gǎitiān zài yuē hǎo ma?
  • English: It's not that I'm breaking my promise, I really have an emergency. Can we reschedule for another day?
  • Analysis: Here, the speaker is defending themselves against a potential accusation of being “说话不算话” by providing a valid reason.
• Example 6:
  • 他总是说话不算话，我已经对他彻底失望了。
  • Pinyin: Tā zǒngshì shuō huà bù suàn huà, wǒ yǐjīng duì tā chèdǐ shīwàng le.
  • English: He always goes back on his word; I'm completely disappointed in him.
  • Analysis: This expresses a final judgment on someone's character after repeated instances of unreliability.
• Example 7:
  • 一言为定！这次你可别再说话不算话了！
  • Pinyin: Yī yán wéi dìng! Zhè cì nǐ kě bié zài shuō huà bù suàn huà le!
  • English: It's a deal! Don't you dare go back on your word again this time!
  • Analysis: Used as a warning right after making an agreement, implying the other person has a history of being unreliable.
• Example 8:
  • 那个政客的竞选承诺一个都没实现，真是说话不算话的典型。
  • Pinyin: Nàge zhèngkè de jìngxuǎn chéngnuò yīge dōu méi shíxiàn, zhēnshi shuō huà bù suàn huà de diǎnxíng.
  • English: That politician didn't fulfill a single campaign promise, a classic example of not keeping one's word.
  • Analysis: A common way to criticize politicians or public figures for failing to deliver on their promises.
• Example 9:
  • 我最讨厌说话不算话的人，觉得他们非常不靠谱。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuì tǎoyàn shuō huà bù suàn huà de rén, juédé tāmen fēicháng bù kàopǔ.
  • English: I hate people who don't keep their word the most; I feel they are very unreliable.
  • Analysis: A statement of personal values, highlighting the importance of trustworthiness.
• Example 10:
  • 你放心，我答应你的事一定会做到，我不是一个说话不算话的人。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ fàngxīn, wǒ dāyìng nǐ de shì yīdìng huì zuò dào, wǒ bùshì yīgè shuō huà bù suàn huà de rén.
  • English: Don't worry, I will definitely do what I promised you; I'm not a person who goes back on their word.
  • Analysis: A way to reassure someone of your own reliability and integrity.

• Severity: English speakers might underestimate the weight of this phrase. It's not a light-hearted complaint. Calling someone “说话不算话” is a direct criticism of their character.
• False Friend: “Changing your mind”: This phrase is not the same as `改变主意 (gǎibiàn zhǔyi)`, which simply means “to change one's mind” and can be neutral. “说话不算话” implies a commitment or promise was made and then broken, causing inconvenience or harm to another person.
• Incorrect Usage: Don't use it for minor changes of plan where no firm promise was made. For example, if someone says “Maybe we can get dinner tomorrow” and then can't, it would be too strong to accuse them of “说话不算话”. It's reserved for when a clear “yes” or “I promise” was given.

• 食言 (shíyán) - Literally “to eat one's words.” A more formal, literary synonym for breaking a promise.
• 出尔反尔 (chū ěr fǎn ěr) - A formal idiom (chengyu) describing someone who is fickle and constantly goes back on their word.
• 言而无信 (yán ér wú xìn) - A formal idiom meaning “to be untrustworthy in one's words.” The direct opposite of the virtue of being trustworthy.
• 守信用 (shǒu xìnyòng) - (Antonym) To be trustworthy, to keep one's promises. Someone who “守信用” never “说话不算话”.
• 靠谱 (kàopǔ) - (Antonym) A popular colloquial term for “reliable” or “dependable.” A “靠谱” person is the opposite of someone who “说话不算话”.
• 不靠谱 (bù kàopǔ) - (Synonym-like concept) A colloquial term for “unreliable.” This is a very common description for someone who often “说话不算话”.
• 放鸽子 (fàng gēzi) - A popular slang term meaning “to stand someone up” or “to flake on an appointment.” It's a specific type of “说话不算话”.
• 一言为定 (yī yán wéi dìng) - An idiom used to seal a promise, meaning “It's a deal!” or “That's settled!” It establishes the commitment that, if broken, would lead to an accusation of “说话不算话”.