# 一诺千金

yī nuò qiān jīn

A promise that is fully dependable

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One promise is worth much gold

**Traditional Chinese:** 一諾千金

**Register:** Appreciative · general

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Praise keeping one's word.

It praises reliability, not grand claims.

## Understanding the expression

Gold supplies a measure of high value, but the phrase places a trustworthy promise above material wealth. The real worth lies in what follows the words: the person does what they agreed to do. It can praise a reliable friend, worker, or partner. Making a bold promise is not enough. The expression describes a record of trust rather than the size of an offer.

## Examples

她一诺千金，按时还钱。

### Traditional Chinese

她一諾千金，按時還錢。

tā yī nuò qiān jīn ， àn shí hái qián 。

She keeps her word and repays on time.

爷爷一诺千金，从不食言。

### Traditional Chinese

爺爺一諾千金，從不食言。

yé ye yī nuò qiān jīn ， cóng bù shí yán 。

Grandpa is dependable and never breaks promises.

大家信他，因为他一诺千金。

### Traditional Chinese

大家信他，因為他一諾千金。

dà jiā xìn tā ， yīn wèi tā yī nuò qiān jīn 。

Everyone trusts him because he keeps his promises.

答应帮忙就要一诺千金。

### Traditional Chinese

答應幫忙就要一諾千金。

dā ying bāng máng jiù yào yī nuò qiān jīn 。

If you promise help, you must keep your word.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%80%E8%AB%BE%E5%8D%83%E9%87%91)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=69&webMd=1&la=0)

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