The Chinese character 信 (ㄒㄧㄣˋ – xìn) represents trust, faith, and credibility. It emphasizes the relationship between individuals and the power of their words.
This character serves as a reminder of the vital role trust plays in relationships and underscores the importance of maintaining credibility.
Description of the Character 信
The character 信 holds significant meaning in Chinese culture. Composed of the radical 人 (ㄖㄣˊ – rén) meaning “person” and the character 言 (ㄧㄢˊ – yán) representing “words” or “language,” 信 embodies the concept of honoring one’s spoken promises. It symbolizes the importance of trust derived from keeping one’s word. By fulfilling promises, one’s words gain credibility and trust from others.
Symbolism of the Character 信
Trust is a fundamental aspect of human relationships, influencing personal, professional, and societal interactions. The character 信 embodies the importance of keeping one’s word and the trust that emerges from fulfilling promises. It signifies the trustworthiness and credibility associated with a person’s words and actions.
Trust impacts various aspects of life, such as the security felt by children when they trust their parents, the stability of marriages, and the happiness of employees trusted by their employers. In Chinese culture, trust was traditionally established through a person’s word and a simple handshake, signifying the significance of trustworthiness.
While modern times require written contracts and legal processes, the essence of trust remains essential. The term 信用 (ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄩㄥˋ – xìn yòng) denotes trustworthiness, while the absence of trustworthiness is expressed through the phrase “沒信用” (ㄇㄟˊ ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄩㄥˋ – méi xìn yòng).
Moreover, trust extends beyond interpersonal relationships and encompasses beliefs and faith in higher beings or doctrines, represented by the term 信仰 (ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄧㄤˇ – xìn yǎng). In a broader sense, the character 信 also represents a letter, highlighting the connection between trust and written communication.
Chinese Vocabulary using 信
| Chinese | Bopomofo | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 相信 | ㄒㄧㄤ ㄒㄧㄣˋ | xiāng xìn | to believe, to trust mutually |
| 信任 | ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄖㄣˋ | xìn rèn | to trust, to have confidence in |
| 信仰 | ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄧㄤˇ | xìn yǎng | belief, faith, conviction |
| 信封 | ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄈㄥ | xìn fēng | envelope, letter package |
| 自信 | ㄗˋ ㄒㄧㄣˋ | zì xìn | self-confidence, self-assurance |
| 信賴 | ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄌㄞˋ | xìn lài | to have faith in |
| 信用 | ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄩㄥˋ | xìn yòng | trustworthiness, credit |
| 迷信 | ㄇㄧˊ ㄒㄧㄣˋ | mí xìn | superstition, being superstitious |
| 信譽 | ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄩˋ | xìn yù | reputation, credibility |
| 確信 | ㄑㄩㄝˋ ㄒㄧㄣˋ | què xìn | firm belief, conviction |
Chinese Idioms (Chengyu) using 信
- 信以為真 (ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄧˇ ㄨㄟˊ ㄓㄣ – xìn yǐ wéi zhēn): to believe something without questioning its authenticity.
- 偏聽偏信 (ㄆㄧㄢ ㄊㄧㄥ ㄆㄧㄢ ㄒㄧㄣˋ – piān tīng piān xìn): to listen and believe biased information without considering other perspectives.
In summary, the character 信 encapsulates the importance of trust, emphasizing the significance of honoring one’s words and the profound impact it has on relationships and society as a whole.
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