xìn · trust / faith
philosophy
💡 How to pronounce

x → like the 'sh' in 'sheep' but lighter. ìn → like 'in' with a falling tone.

📖 The Story

信 is trust — the bond that holds relationships together. The character combines 'person' (亻) and 'words' (言) — a person who keeps their word. In Chinese philosophy, trust is essential for harmony in society.

🎬 In Culture Today

Confucius taught that '信' is one of the five virtues. The phrase '言而有信' (yán ér yǒu xìn) means 'to keep one's word'. In business and personal relationships, trust is the foundation of everything.

📚 Words

xìn rèntrust
xìn xīnconfidence
xiāng xìnto believe

📝 Example Sentences

我相信你。

Wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ.

I trust you.

信任是友谊的基础。

Xìnrèn shì yǒuyì de jīchǔ.

Trust is the foundation of friendship.