Meanings of 履行
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About 履行
Podcast: 履行
Podcast: 履行
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AI Study Notes for 履行
履行 (xíng) vs 完成 (wánchéng) — use 履行 when emphasizing the fulfillment of obligations or duties, while 完成 focuses on simply completing a task or project.
Imagine a person putting on shoes (履) to step into their responsibilities and obligations (行). Just as you must wear shoes to walk, you must '履行' your duties to move forward in life.
This term is often used in formal contexts such as contracts or agreements, making it less common in casual conversation. Be careful with the tone; '履' is pronounced with a falling tone (lǚ) while '行' in this context is pronounced with a rising tone (xíng). Common collocations include '履行合同' (fulfill a contract) and '履行职责' (fulfill duties).
As an HSK Level 6 word, '履行' connects with other legal and formal vocabulary, such as '合同' (contract) and '责任' (responsibility). Students should focus on understanding the formal contexts in which this verb is used, as well as its related terms.
'履行' reflects the importance of duty and obligation in Chinese culture, where fulfilling one’s responsibilities is seen as a sign of integrity and respect. This is particularly evident in business practices and interpersonal relationships.
Learners often confuse '履行' with '执行' (to execute), which has a slightly different meaning focused on implementation rather than fulfilling obligations. For example, saying '我执行我的职责' (I execute my duties) should be corrected to '我履行我的职责'.
Pronunciation of 履行
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 履行
履行 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.
Complete the Sentence
委员会的委员们都是些年轻妇女, 很好地____了她们的职责.
The committee, who were all young women, fulfilled their duties admirably.
Example Sentences for 履行 (5)
Cultural Notes for 履行
'履行' reflects the importance of duty and obligation in Chinese culture, where fulfilling one’s responsibilities is seen as a sign of integrity and respect. This is particularly evident in business practices and interpersonal relationships.
In Western cultures, the concept of fulfilling obligations may emphasize personal choice and autonomy more than in Chinese culture, where societal expectations and duties play a significant role.
Frequently Asked Questions about 履行
'履行' is primarily used in formal contexts, such as business or legal discussions, rather than in casual conversation.