中國成語故事中英對照 一言為重

一言為重

In ancient times, there was a prime minister named Shang Yang in the State of Qin. 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.

古時候秦國有個相國叫商鞅，秦王非常器重他。公元前359年，他打算在秦國實行變法，但他怕百姓們不相信官府，就決定做件事以取得他們的信任。

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.

有一天。他把一根10米長的竿子豎在都城南門外，然后告訴百姓如果誰把這根竹竿拿到城邊北門，就賞給他10兩銀子。開始，大家聽到這個消息都很吃驚，但沒人敢試。于是商鞅又提高聲音說： "誰把這根竹竿拿到北門，賞50兩銀子。"這時，有一個膽子挺大的人愿意去試一試。當(dāng)他把竹竿拿到北門時，商鞅立刻賞給他50兩銀子。其他人看見了，都非常后悔自己沒去試。

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

經(jīng)過這件事，大家都相信了官府。后來商鞅的變法進(jìn)行地很成功，秦國因此成為了當(dāng)時最強(qiáng)大的國家。

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

后來，人們就用 "一言為重"來比喻一個人信守諾言。