Definition

1. Verb:
   • To keep one's word / to be true to one's word: The primary meaning of "thủ tín" is to faithfully fulfill a promise or commitment one has made.
   • To be trustworthy / to maintain trust: It describes the act of upholding trustworthiness and reliability in one's words and actions.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Một người lãnh đạo phải biết thủ tín. (A leader must know how to keep their word.)
  • Anh ấy luôn thủ tín trong mọi giao dịch. (He always maintains trust in all transactions.)
  • Thủ tín là nguyên tắc sống của ông ấy. (Being true to his word is his life principle.)

Advanced Usage

• "thủ tín" in Classical and Formal Contexts: This term is often used in formal, literary, or classical contexts, emphasizing a high moral standard of integrity. It is less common in casual, everyday conversation.
  • Triết lý kinh doanh của họ dựa trên chữ "thủ tín". (Their business philosophy is based on the concept of "keeping trust.")

Variants and Related Words

• Giữ chữ tín (v): This is a more common, modern phrase with the same meaning: to keep one's credit or promise.
  • Công ty đó luôn giữ chữ tín với khách hàng. (That company always keeps its promise to customers.)

Synonyms

• Keep a promise / Keep one's word: To do what one said one would do.
• Be trustworthy / Be reliable: To be deserving of trust.
• Be faithful to one's word: To adhere strictly to what one has promised.

Related Idioms and Classical Concepts

• "Nhân, Nghĩa, Lễ, Trí, Tín": "Thủ tín" relates directly to "Tín" (Trustworthiness), one of the Five Constant Virtues in Confucian philosophy.
  • "Tín" trong Ngũ thường chính là đạo thủ tín. ("Trustworthiness" among the Five Constants is precisely the principle of keeping faith.)