ràngbù: 让步 - To Concede, Make a Concession, Yield

• Keywords: ràngbù, 让步, make a concession in Chinese, compromise in Chinese, yield in Chinese, how to say compromise in Mandarin, Chinese negotiation, Chinese culture, ràngbù meaning, 让步 vs 妥协
• Summary: Learn how to use 让步 (ràngbù), a fundamental term in Chinese for “to make a concession,” “to yield,” or “to compromise.” This page explores the deep cultural significance of ràngbù in negotiations and daily life, breaking down its characters, providing practical examples, and explaining the crucial difference between 让步 (ràngbù) and 妥协 (tuǒxié). Mastering this word is key to understanding the Chinese emphasis on harmony and navigating social situations effectively.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): ràngbù
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To yield a point or make a concession, typically in a negotiation or dispute.
• In a Nutshell: 让步 (ràngbù) literally means “to yield a step.” It's the act of stepping back from your position to allow for an agreement or to resolve a conflict. It's a cornerstone of negotiation and is often seen not as a weakness, but as a wise strategy to maintain harmony and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

• 让 (ràng): To let, to allow, to yield, or to give way. Imagine politely stepping aside to let someone pass; that's the feeling of 让.
• 步 (bù): A step or a pace. The character itself is a simplified pictogram of two feet walking.

When combined, 让步 (ràngbù) creates a powerful and literal image: “to give up a step.” In a negotiation or argument, where both sides are on a path towards their goal, to 让步 is to take a step back from your position to create space for the other person, hoping they will do the same.

In many Western cultures, especially in business, there's a strong emphasis on holding one's ground, and “compromising” can sometimes carry a faint scent of losing. In Chinese culture, the concept of 让步 (ràngbù) is viewed very differently and is deeply woven into the social fabric. The goal of many interactions is not to achieve an absolute “win” but to maintain 和谐 (héxié) - harmony. Direct confrontation is often avoided. Making a concession is a proactive way to show goodwill, preserve the relationship (关系 guānxi), and give the other person 面子 (miànzi) - “face” or social respect. For example, an American negotiator might see making the first concession as a sign of a weak position. A Chinese negotiator, however, might make a small, calculated 让步 (ràngbù) early on as an invitation—a signal that they are reasonable and are ready to work towards a solution together. It's a strategic dance, not a battle. This act says, “I respect you enough to yield on this point, and I trust you will show me the same respect.” Therefore, understanding when and how to 让步 is not just a language skill, but a crucial cultural skill.

让步 (ràngbù) is used across all facets of life, from boardroom negotiations to haggling at a market.

• Business and Formal Negotiations: This is the most common context. It is used to propose, accept, or reject a compromise. Phrases like “我们各让一步” (wǒmen gè ràng yí bù - “Let's each make a concession”) are classic negotiation language.
• Personal Relationships and Arguments: In a disagreement between friends or a couple, one person might say “好吧，我让步” (hǎo ba, wǒ ràngbù - “Fine, I'll concede”) to end the argument and restore peace. Here, it shows a willingness to prioritize the relationship over being “right.”
• As a Noun: It can also be used as a noun, meaning “a concession.” For example, “做出让步” (zuòchū ràngbù - “to make a concession”).
• Connotation: The feeling of the word depends entirely on context. It can be a neutral strategic move, a positive gesture of goodwill, or a negative expression of being forced to yield against one's will.

• Example 1:
  • 为了达成协议，双方都必须做出一些让步。
  • Pinyin: Wèile dáchéng xiéyì, shuāngfāng dōu bìxū zuòchū yīxiē ràngbù.
  • English: In order to reach an agreement, both sides must make some concessions.
  • Analysis: A classic, formal use in a business or diplomatic context. Here, 让步 is used as a noun.
• Example 2:
  • 在价格问题上，我们不能再让步了。
  • Pinyin: Zài jiàgé wèntí shàng, wǒmen bùnéng zài ràngbù le.
  • English: On the issue of price, we can't make any more concessions.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates setting a firm boundary during a negotiation. It's a clear and direct refusal to yield further.
• Example 3:
  • 算了吧，我让步，你想看什么电影就看什么吧。
  • Pinyin: Suàn le ba, wǒ ràngbù, nǐ xiǎng kàn shénme diànyǐng jiù kàn shénme ba.
  • English: Forget it, I'll give in. Let's watch whatever movie you want to watch.
  • Analysis: A very common, informal use in a personal relationship. It's used here to resolve a minor disagreement.
• Example 4:
  • 父母最终对孩子的请求做出了让步。
  • Pinyin: Fùmǔ zuìzhōng duì háizi de qǐngqiú zuòchūle ràngbù.
  • English: The parents finally yielded to their child's request.
  • Analysis: Shows the dynamic in a family. “做出让步” (zuòchū ràngbù) is a common collocation meaning “to make a concession.”
• Example 5:
  • 他的让步只是一个策略，为了赢得更大的利益。
  • Pinyin: Tā de ràngbù zhǐshì yíge cèlüè, wèile yíngdé gèng dà de lìyì.
  • English: His concession was just a tactic to win a greater advantage.
  • Analysis: This highlights the strategic nature of 让步. It's not always about pure goodwill.
• Example 6:
  • 如果你愿意让步，我们或许可以找到一个解决方案。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ yuànyì ràngbù, wǒmen huòxǔ kěyǐ zhǎodào yíge jiějué fāng'àn.
  • English: If you are willing to make a concession, perhaps we can find a solution.
  • Analysis: This is a conditional sentence, inviting the other party to compromise.
• Example 7:
  • 在原则问题上，我们决不让步。
  • Pinyin: Zài yuánzé wèntí shàng, wǒmen jué bù ràngbù.
  • English: On matters of principle, we will never compromise.
  • Analysis: A very strong statement showing that there are limits to compromise. This is often used in political or ethical contexts.
• Example 8:
  • 这次让步是暂时的，下次我们必须坚持到底。
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì ràngbù shì zànshí de, xià cì wǒmen bìxū jiānchí dàodǐ.
  • English: This concession is temporary; next time we must hold our ground to the end.
  • Analysis: This sentence treats 让步 as a noun (“a concession”) and frames it as a temporary measure.
• Example 9:
  • 为了公司的未来，他选择在个人利益上让步。
  • Pinyin: Wèile gōngsī de wèilái, tā xuǎnzé zài gèrén lìyì shàng ràngbù.
  • English: For the future of the company, he chose to make a concession regarding his personal interests.
  • Analysis: Shows a selfless or strategic sacrifice, where 让步 has a noble connotation.
• Example 10:
  • 我们各让步一步，怎么样？
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gè ràngbù yí bù, zěnmeyàng?
  • English: How about we each make a concession / meet in the middle?
  • Analysis: A classic, idiomatic proposal for mutual compromise. Note the literal phrasing “each concede one step.”

• “False Friend” Warning: Not just “Compromise”

In English, “to compromise” can have a strong negative meaning, as in “to compromise your integrity.” While 让步 can be used in a similar way (see example 7), its core meaning is the neutral-to-positive act of yielding in a negotiation. Don't assume it always has the negative baggage that “compromise” can have in English.

• Key Distinction: 让步 (ràngbù) vs. 妥协 (tuǒxié)

This is a crucial nuance. Both can be translated as “to compromise.”

• 让步 (ràngbù): “To yield a step.” This feels more voluntary, strategic, and often more positive. It can be a gesture of goodwill. It's about yielding a specific point.
• 妥协 (tuǒxié): “To appropriately settle.” This often implies a more reluctant compromise, sometimes under pressure. It suggests reaching a settlement by both sides giving things up, perhaps grudgingly. It's more about the final, settled agreement.
• In short: You 让步 (make concessions) on specific points in order to reach a 妥协 (compromise agreement).
• Common Mistake: Overusing it.

Do not use 让步 simply to mean “to give” or “to let someone have something” outside of a conflict or negotiation.

• Incorrect: 我让步我的座位给你。 (Wǒ ràngbù wǒ de zuòwèi gěi nǐ.)
• Correct: 我把座位让给你。 (Wǒ bǎ zuòwèi ràng gěi nǐ.) - “I'll give my seat to you.”
• *让步 implies you are giving up a claim or position you previously held in a contentious situation. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * 妥协 (tuǒxié) - To compromise. The result of making concessions, often implying a more reluctant settlement than 让步. * 和谐 (héxié) - Harmony. The cultural goal that often motivates making a 让步. * 面子 (miànzi) - “Face”; social standing, reputation. You can give someone “face” by making a 让步. * 谈判 (tánpàn) - To negotiate. The primary context where 让步 is used. * 放弃 (fàngqì) - To give up; to abandon. Much stronger than 让步. This is giving up the entire goal, not just yielding a point. * 屈服 (qūfú) - To surrender; to submit. Implies yielding to force or overwhelming pressure, carrying a very negative connotation of defeat. * 退步 (tuìbù) - To regress; to step back. Literally “to retreat a step.” Can sometimes be a synonym in the sense of backing down, but usually means “to fall behind” or “to get worse.” * 坚持 (jiānchí) - To insist on; to persist. The direct antonym of 让步** in a negotiation.