# 一言九鼎

yī yán jiǔ dǐng

Words carry great weight and authority

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One utterance weighs as much as nine tripods

**Register:** Respectful · formal

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

## When to use it

Praise influential or dependable speech.

Authority and truth are not identical.

## Understanding the expression

Heavy ceremonial vessels supply the image of weight, making a spoken word seem substantial enough to move decisions. The phrase can praise someone whose judgment strongly influences others or whose promises are trusted. Context decides which sense is central. It is more than being loud or speaking often. A person's words matter because of earned trust, recognized authority, or their ability to shape what happens next.

## Examples

她在团队里一言九鼎。

### Traditional Chinese

她在團隊裡一言九鼎。

tā zài tuán duì lǐ yī yán jiǔ dǐng 。

Her words carry great weight in the team.

老店主一言九鼎，大家都信他。

lǎo diàn zhǔ yī yán jiǔ dǐng ， dà jiā dōu xìn tā 。

The old shopkeeper's word is trusted by everyone.

他不是一言九鼎的人，还需商量。

### Traditional Chinese

他不是一言九鼎的人，還需商量。

tā bú shì yī yán jiǔ dǐng de rén ， hái xū shāng liáng 。

His word is not final; further discussion is needed.

这位专家的建议一言九鼎。

### Traditional Chinese

這位專家的建議一言九鼎。

zhè wèi zhuān jiā de jiàn yì yī yán jiǔ dǐng 。

This expert's advice carries enormous weight.

## 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%A8%80%E4%B9%9D%E9%BC%8E)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=88&webMd=1&la=0)

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