xìnlài: 信赖 - Trust, Rely On, Have Faith In

• Keywords: xinlai, xìnlài, 信赖, what does xinlai mean, how to use xinlai, Chinese word for trust, rely on in Chinese, trust vs believe in Chinese, 信任 vs 信赖, HSK 5 vocabulary, Chinese relationships
• Summary: Learn the deep meaning of 信赖 (xìnlài), a core Chinese term for trust and reliance. This page explores how `xìnlài` goes beyond simple belief (`相信`), representing a profound faith in someone's character, reliability, and integrity, earned over time. Discover its cultural significance in personal and business relationships, see practical examples, and understand how to use it correctly to build stronger connections in the Chinese-speaking world.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xìnlài
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To trust and rely on someone or something with deep confidence and a sense of dependence.
• In a Nutshell: `信赖 (xìnlài)` is not just about believing what someone says; it's a much deeper form of trust. Think of it as the kind of trust you place in a lifelong friend, a family member, or a doctor whose expertise you completely depend on. It implies a proven track record of reliability and integrity. While you might `相信 (xiāngxìn)` a stranger who gives you directions, you would only `信赖 (xìnlài)` someone who has consistently proven themselves to be dependable and worthy of your confidence.

• 信 (xìn): This character is a combination of the “person” radical (亻) and “speech” (言). The image is of a person standing by their word. It represents faith, truthfulness, belief, and confidence.
• 赖 (lài): In this context, this character means “to rely on” or “to depend on.” It carries the idea of leaning on something or someone for support.
• Together, 信赖 (xìnlài) literally means “to believe and rely on.” The combination creates a powerful word that signifies a trust so strong that you feel safe depending on the person or entity.

In Chinese culture, `信赖 (xìnlài)` is a cornerstone of strong, stable relationships, both personal and professional. It is deeply intertwined with the concept of 关系 (guānxi), or social networks. Building `信赖` is a slow, deliberate process that requires consistent demonstration of reliability, loyalty (忠诚, zhōngchéng), and integrity. Compared to the Western concept of “trust,” `信赖` often carries a heavier weight and a stronger sense of mutual obligation. In the West, one might “trust” a new company's marketing promise. In China, a consumer's `信赖` for a brand is typically earned over many years of consistent quality and good service. It's less transactional and more relational. Losing someone's `信赖` can cause irreparable damage to a relationship, as it signifies a fundamental breach of faith and reliability. This value is rooted in a collectivist culture where long-term, harmonious social bonds are prioritized.

`信赖` is a relatively formal and serious word. It's used when you want to express a deep and abiding trust.

• Personal Relationships: It is used to describe the bond between close friends, family members, and spouses. To say you `信赖` someone is a very high compliment to their character.
• Business and Professional Life: `信赖` is the ultimate goal in client and partner relationships. A company strives to become a `值得信赖 (zhídé xìnlài)`—a trustworthy—brand. In a team, you `信赖` colleagues who have proven their competence and dependability.
• Public Figures and Institutions: People talk about their `信赖` in doctors, teachers, or experts. It signifies a belief in their professional ethics and capabilities.

• Example 1:
  • 我完全信赖我的医生。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ wánquán xìnlài wǒ de yīshēng.
  • English: I completely trust and rely on my doctor.
  • Analysis: This shows a deep trust based on professional expertise and a feeling of dependence for one's health. You're not just believing the doctor, you're placing your well-being in their hands.
• Example 2:
  • 他是一个值得信赖的朋友。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yí ge zhídé xìnlài de péngyou.
  • English: He is a trustworthy friend. (Literally: a friend worthy of trust and reliance).
  • Analysis: `值得 (zhídé)` means “to be worthy of.” This is a very common structure used to describe someone or something as reliable and dependable.
• Example 3:
  • 建立客户的信赖需要很长时间。
  • Pinyin: Jiànlì kèhù de xìnlài xūyào hěn cháng shíjiān.
  • English: It takes a long time to build a customer's trust.
  • Analysis: Here, `信赖` is used as a noun (“trust”). This sentence is common in a business context, highlighting that this deep trust isn't given easily.
• Example 4:
  • 因为他总是撒谎，所以我不再信赖他了。
  • Pinyin: Yīnwèi tā zǒngshì sāhuǎng, suǒyǐ wǒ búzài xìnlài tā le.
  • English: Because he always lies, I no longer trust him.
  • Analysis: This example shows the negative form, `不信赖 (bù xìnlài)` (or `不再信赖`, no longer trust). It implies a previously held trust has been broken.
• Example 5:
  • 我们的合作是建立在相互信赖的基础上的。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de hézuò shì jiànlì zài xiānghù xìnlài de jīchǔ shàng de.
  • English: Our cooperation is built on a foundation of mutual trust.
  • Analysis: `相互信赖 (xiānghù xìnlài)` means “mutual trust.” This is a key phrase in business and diplomatic negotiations, emphasizing a two-way, reliable relationship.
• Example 6:
  • 你可以信赖我，我绝不会告诉任何人。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kěyǐ xìnlài wǒ, wǒ jué bù huì gàosù rènhé rén.
  • English: You can trust me, I absolutely will not tell anyone.
  • Analysis: This is a powerful way to reassure someone. It means “You can depend on me to be discreet and loyal.” It's much stronger than just saying “Believe me.”
• Example 7:
  • 这个品牌以其质量和可靠性赢得了消费者的信赖。
  • Pinyin: Zhège pǐnpái yǐ qí zhìliàng hé kěkàoxìng yíngdéle xiāofèizhě de xìnlài.
  • English: This brand has won the trust of consumers with its quality and reliability.
  • Analysis: Another noun usage. `赢得信赖 (yíngdé xìnlài)` means “to win trust” and is often used in the context of brands or public figures earning public confidence.
• Example 8:
  • 对于这么重要的事情，我只信赖你一个人来办。
  • Pinyin: Duìyú zhème zhòngyào de shìqing, wǒ zhǐ xìnlài nǐ yí ge rén lái bàn.
  • English: For such an important matter, I only trust you to handle it.
  • Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the element of reliance. The speaker is not only trusting the person's character but also depending on their ability to perform a critical task.
• Example 9:
  • 他用行动证明了自己是信赖得过的。
  • Pinyin: Tā yòng xíngdòng zhèngmíngle zìjǐ shì xìnlài de guò de.
  • English: He proved with his actions that he could be trusted.
  • Analysis: The structure `V + 得过 (de guò)` implies that something has passed a test. So `信赖得过` means “has proven to be trustworthy.”
• Example 10:
  • 你为什么如此信赖他的判断？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ wèishéme rúcǐ xìnlài tā de pànduàn?
  • English: Why do you rely on his judgment so much?
  • Analysis: This question challenges the basis of someone's deep trust. It shows `信赖` can apply not just to a person as a whole, but to a specific aspect like their “judgment” (`判断 pànduàn`).

The most common mistake for learners is confusing `信赖 (xìnlài)`, `信任 (xìnrèn)`, and `相信 (xiāngxìn)`.

• `信赖 (xìnlài)` vs. `相信 (xiāngxìn)`: This is the most critical distinction.
  • `相信 (xiāngxìn)` = to believe. Use it for facts, statements, or beliefs. It doesn't necessarily imply a deep relationship or reliability.
  • `信赖 (xìnlài)` = to trust and rely on. Use it for people, brands, or institutions that have proven their reliability and integrity over time.
  • Incorrect: 我信赖天气预报说今天会下雨。 (Wǒ xìnlài tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān huì xiàyǔ.)
  • Reason: You believe the weather forecast (a piece of information), you don't rely on its character.
  • Correct: 我相信天气预报说今天会下雨。 (Wǒ xiāngxìn tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān huì xiàyǔ.)
• `信赖 (xìnlài)` vs. `信任 (xìnrèn)`: This is a much finer distinction. They are often interchangeable, but `信赖` is generally considered stronger.
  • `信任 (xìnrèn)` = to trust, to have confidence in. It's a broad term for trust.
  • `信赖 (xìnlài)` = `信任 (xìnrèn)` + `依赖 (yīlài)`. It adds a clear element of reliance and dependence. `信赖` feels more emotional and is often built over a longer period of proven action. You can give someone your `信任` as a starting point, but they must earn your `信赖`.

• 信任 (xìnrèn) - A very close synonym meaning “to trust” or “have confidence in,” but with slightly less emphasis on dependence than `信赖`.
• 相信 (xiāngxìn) - To believe (a statement, a fact, an idea). This is about intellectual assent, not relational dependence.
• 可靠 (kěkào) - An adjective meaning “reliable” or “dependable.” A person or product that is `可靠` is worthy of `信赖`.
• 依赖 (yīlài) - To rely on, to depend on. This is the “赖” part of `信赖`. On its own, it can sometimes have a negative connotation of being overly dependent or needy.
• 靠谱 (kàopǔ) - A very common colloquial adjective meaning “reliable,” “trustworthy,” or “down-to-earth.” A `靠谱` person is someone you can `信赖`.
• 忠诚 (zhōngchéng) - Loyalty, faithfulness. Loyalty is often a key component for building `信赖`.
• 关系 (guānxi) - Social networks and relationships, which are fundamentally built on a foundation of mutual `信赖`.