Comparison with “Keeping Your Word”: In Western cultures, “keeping your word” is certainly valued. However,
守信 in a Chinese context often carries a heavier weight related to social harmony and one's reputation or “face” (
面子, miànzi). A single failure to be
守信 can cause a significant loss of face and damage long-term relationships (
关系, guānxi) in a way that might be seen as less permanent in the West. It's not just about a single promise, but about one's entire character and reliability within the collective. In business, a reputation for being
守信 is more valuable than any short-term gain.