In ancient times, there was a prime minister named Shang Yang (shāng yāng 商鞅) in the State of Qin (qín guó 秦国). He was held in high regard by the King. In the year 359 BC, he prepared for a political reform to promote the economic development. But he was afraid that the people would not believe local authorities. He thought an idea.

One day, he had a 10-meter long pole erected at the south gate outside the capital. Then he told the crowd whoever took the pole to the north gate would be awarded 10 ounces of silver. Everyone was astonished, but nobody dared to have a try. After seeing that, Shang Yang raised his voice and said:" Anyone who carries the pole to the north gate will get 50 ounces of silver." A brave man did it and was be given 50 ounces of silver. Others felt very regretful.

In this way, Shang Yang achieved his aim successfully. Soon the state of Qin became the strongest country.

Later, people use it to praise the man who keeps his promise.


古时候秦国有个相国叫商鞅，秦王很器重他。公元前359年，他打算在秦国实行变法，但他怕百 姓们不相信官府，就决定做件事以取得他们的信任。

有一天。他把一根10米长的竿子竖在都城南门外，然后告诉百姓如果谁把这根竹竿拿到城边北门，就赏给他10两银子。开始，大家听到这个消息都很吃惊，但没人敢试。于是商鞅又提高声音说：“谁把这根竹竿拿到北门，赏50两银子。”这时，有一个胆子挺大的人愿意去试一试。当他把竹竿拿到北门时，商鞅立刻赏给他50两银子。其他人看见了，都非常后悔自己没去试。

经过这件事，大家都相信了官府。后来商鞅的变法进行地很成功，秦国因此成为了当时最强大的国家。后来，人们就用“一言为重”来比喻一个人信守诺言。

一言为重 (yī yán wéi zhòng)
【翻译】What is Said Carries Weight.
【释义】比喻一个人信守自己的诺言。
【例句】小明说话算话, 一言为重，从不失言。
【近义词】一言千金、一言九鼎、言出必行
【反义词】言而无信、出尔反尔