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March 24, 2026
答应(答應)dāying(da1ying5)
The verb 答应 (dāyìng) means to promise or to agree to something. It is commonly used in contexts where someone confirms their willingness to do something or responds positively to a request. The nuance lies in the expectation of following through on the agreement made.
Frequency#953DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, making a promise is taken seriously, and not following through can lead to loss of face. The concept of 'keeping one's word' is highly valued, reflecting the importance of trust in interpersonal relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person nodding their head in agreement while saying 'da' (like 'yes' in some languages), and then 'ying' sounds like 'ring' which signifies a promise. Visualize them sealing the agreement with a ring, symbolizing commitment.
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AI Study Notes for 答应
Quick Contrast
承诺 (chéngnuò) - use 答应 when emphasizing a verbal agreement or promise made in response to a request, while 承诺 focuses more on the formal commitment aspect.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person nodding their head in agreement while saying 'da' (like 'yes' in some languages), and then 'ying' sounds like 'ring' which signifies a promise. Visualize them sealing the agreement with a ring, symbolizing commitment.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tones when pronouncing 答应, as confusion between 'dā' (to answer) and 'dǎ' (to hit) can lead to misunderstandings. It is usually used in informal contexts, so for formal agreements, consider using terms like '承诺' (chéngnuò). Common collocations include '答应我的请求' (agree to my request).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 答应 connects well with other verbs related to communication and agreement, such as 说 (shuō - to speak) and 同意 (tóngyì - to agree). Students should focus on practicing sentences that involve making promises or agreeing to plans.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, making a promise is taken seriously, and not following through can lead to loss of face. The concept of 'keeping one's word' is highly valued, reflecting the importance of trust in interpersonal relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 答应 with 允许 (yǔnxǔ - to allow), using it incorrectly in contexts where permission is granted. For example, saying '我答应你去' (I promise you go) instead of '我允许你去' (I allow you to go).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 答应
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Grammar Patterns of 答应
答应 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
sà lì nǚ shì dá yīng le, , tā yòu lā sī wēi fū lè xiān shēng péi tā mén tóng.
Miss Sally complying, he desired Mr. Swiveller to accompany them.
Cultural Notes for 答应
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, making a promise is taken seriously, and not following through can lead to loss of face. The concept of 'keeping one's word' is highly valued, reflecting the importance of trust in interpersonal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 答应
It is generally used in informal situations; for formal contexts, consider using '承诺'.
You can say '我答应你会参加会议' (I promise I will attend the meeting).
答应 generally implies a promise to fulfill a request, while 同意 simply means to agree.
