zàntóng: 赞同 - Agree, Approve of, Endorse

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• Summary: Learn the meaning and use of 赞同 (zàntóng), a key Chinese verb for expressing agreement, approval, or endorsement. This guide breaks down the characters, explores its cultural significance related to social harmony, and provides over 10 practical examples. Understand the crucial difference between `赞同 (zàntóng)`, `同意 (tóngyì)`, and `支持 (zhīchí)` to express yourself accurately and avoid common mistakes when you agree with someone in Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zàntóng
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To agree with or approve of an opinion, proposal, or action.
• In a Nutshell: `赞同` is more than just a simple “I agree.” It carries a positive, supportive tone, implying that you not only agree with an idea but also think it's a good one. Think of it as saying, “I approve of that viewpoint” or “I endorse that suggestion.” It's an agreement tinged with admiration or respect for the quality of the idea itself.

• 赞 (zàn): This character means “to praise,” “to commend,” or “to support.” You can think of it as the character used for giving a “like” (点赞, diǎnzàn) on social media. It implies positive judgment and encouragement.
• 同 (tóng): This character means “same,” “alike,” or “together.” It points to a state of being in alignment or sharing a commonality.

When combined, 赞同 (zàntóng) literally translates to “to praise and be the same.” This beautifully captures the essence of the word: you agree with someone because you share their perspective and hold it in high regard.

In many Western cultures, debate and direct disagreement can be seen as a healthy way to reach the best conclusion. In Chinese culture, however, maintaining social harmony (和谐, héxié) is often a higher priority. Expressing 赞同 (zàntóng) is a powerful tool for building consensus and strengthening relationships. It's not just a logical agreement; it's a social signal that says, “I value your opinion, and we are on the same page.” It affirms the other person's intelligence and judgment, thereby reinforcing a positive connection. While an American might say, “I see your point, but I disagree,” and launch into a counter-argument, a Chinese counterpart might first find a point of agreement to `赞同` before gently introducing a different perspective. This approach cushions potential conflict and preserves social harmony. Using `赞同` shows respect and fosters a collaborative, rather than adversarial, atmosphere.

`赞同` is used in a variety of contexts, from formal meetings to thoughtful conversations among friends. Its level of formality is slightly higher than a simple “yes” or “right.”

• In Business and Formal Settings: It is frequently used in meetings, reports, and professional emails to express endorsement of a strategy, proposal, or colleague's analysis. Using `赞同` here sounds professional and respectful.
• In Conversation: When a friend makes a particularly insightful point or a well-reasoned argument, you would use `赞同` to show you not only agree but are also impressed by their thinking. It's less common for simple, factual agreements (like agreeing on a time to meet).
• Connotation: The connotation is almost always positive and supportive. It's a word of affirmation.

• Example 1:
  • 我完全赞同你的看法。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ wánquán zàntóng nǐ de kànfǎ.
  • English: I completely agree with your viewpoint.
  • Analysis: A very common and clear way to express strong, positive agreement with someone's opinion (看法). The adverb 完全 (wánquán) adds emphasis.
• Example 2:
  • 他的提议得到了大家的一致赞同。
  • Pinyin: Tā de tíyì dédàole dàjiā de yízhì zàntóng.
  • English: His proposal received everyone's unanimous approval.
  • Analysis: This shows `赞同` used in a more formal context, describing a group's reaction to a proposal (提议).
• Example 3:
  • 对于这个计划，我持赞同态度。
  • Pinyin: Duìyú zhège jìhuà, wǒ chí zàntóng tàidù.
  • English: Regarding this plan, I hold an approving attitude.
  • Analysis: A slightly more formal and written style. 持…态度 (chí…tàidù) means “to hold an…attitude.”
• Example 4:
  • 很多人不赞同在市中心建工厂。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō rén bù zàntóng zài shìzhōngxīn jiàn gōngchǎng.
  • English: Many people do not approve of building a factory in the city center.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the negative form, 不赞同 (bù zàntóng), meaning to disapprove or disagree with an idea or plan.
• Example 5:
  • 你赞同我的决定吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zàntóng wǒ de juédìng ma?
  • English: Do you agree with/approve of my decision?
  • Analysis: A simple question form. The speaker is asking for both agreement and positive validation of their decision.
• Example 6:
  • 父母起初不赞同我们在一起，但后来被我们打动了。
  • Pinyin: Fùmǔ qǐchū bù zàntóng wǒmen zài yìqǐ, dàn hòulái bèi wǒmen gǎndòng le.
  • English: At first, our parents didn't approve of us being together, but later they were moved by us.
  • Analysis: `赞同` is often used for approving or disapproving of relationships or major life choices.
• Example 7:
  • 我虽然不完全赞同，但我理解你的逻辑。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ suīrán bù wánquán zàntóng, dàn wǒ lǐjiě nǐ de luójí.
  • English: Although I don't completely agree, I understand your logic.
  • Analysis: This shows a nuanced disagreement. The speaker respects the thought process even if they don't fully endorse the conclusion.
• Example 8:
  • 听了你的分析，我点头表示赞同。
  • Pinyin: Tīngle nǐ de fēnxī, wǒ diǎntóu biǎoshì zàntóng.
  • English: After listening to your analysis, I nodded to show my approval.
  • Analysis: This sentence connects the concept of `赞同` with a physical action (nodding, 点头) that signals agreement.
• Example 9:
  • 他对这个项目的热情和远见，让我非常赞同由他来领导。
  • Pinyin: Tā duì zhège xiàngmù de rèqíng hé yuǎnjiàn, ràng wǒ fēicháng zàntóng yóu tā lái lǐngdǎo.
  • English: His passion and vision for this project make me strongly approve of him taking the lead.
  • Analysis: Here, `赞同` is used to endorse a person for a role based on their admirable qualities.
• Example 10:
  • 保护环境的理念是值得我们每个人赞同和实践的。
  • Pinyin: Bǎohù huánjìng de lǐniàn shì zhídé wǒmen měi ge rén zàntóng hé shíjiàn de.
  • English: The concept of protecting the environment is worthy of everyone's approval and practice.
  • Analysis: This shows `赞同` being applied to a broad concept or philosophy (理念), not just a simple opinion.

The most common mistake for learners is confusing `赞同` with `同意 (tóngyì)`. They both translate to “agree,” but their connotations are different. `赞同 (zàntóng)` vs. `同意 (tóngyì)`

• 赞同 (zàntóng): To agree and approve. Implies you think the idea is good. It's about sharing a positive judgment of a viewpoint, idea, or opinion.
• 同意 (tóngyì): To agree, permit, or consent. More neutral. It can be used for simple agreement or for giving permission for an action or request.

Think of it this way: You 赞同 an opinion, but you 同意 a request.

• Correct: 我赞同你的观点。(Wǒ zàntóng nǐ de guāndiǎn.) - “I approve of your viewpoint.” (The viewpoint is good.)
• Correct: 我老板同意我请假。(Wǒ lǎobǎn tóngyì wǒ qǐngjià.) - “My boss agreed to my request for leave.” (He gave permission.)
• Incorrect: 我老板赞同我请假。 (Wǒ lǎobǎn zàntóng wǒ qǐngjià.) - This sounds very strange, as if the boss thinks taking leave is a praiseworthy, excellent idea in itself, rather than just permitting it.

• 同意 (tóngyì) - A more general and neutral synonym; means “to agree” or “to permit/consent.”
• 赞成 (zànchéng) - A very close synonym, often interchangeable with `赞同`. It means “to be in favor of” and is frequently used when expressing support in a vote.
• 支持 (zhīchí) - To support, often with actions, resources, or votes. You can `赞同` an idea in your mind but `支持` it with your actions.
• 反对 (fǎnduì) - The direct antonym; to oppose, to be against.
• 认可 (rènkě) - To approve, acknowledge, or recognize the validity of something. Often implies approval from a position of authority or based on a standard.
• 观点 (guāndiǎn) - Noun; viewpoint, opinion. A common object of the verb `赞同`.
• 看法 (kànfǎ) - Noun; way of looking at something, opinion. Similar to `观点` and also a common object of `赞同`.
• 和谐 (héxié) - A core cultural value; harmony. Expressing `赞同` is a way to build and maintain `和谐`.