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March 24, 2026
违约(違約)wéiyuē(wei2yue1)
违约 (wéiyuē) refers to the act of breaking a promise or not adhering to the terms of a contract or agreement. It is commonly used in legal and financial contexts, indicating a failure to fulfill obligations, such as defaulting on loans or contracts. Understanding this term is crucial for navigating agreements in both personal and professional relationships.
Frequency#20832DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, honoring agreements is highly valued, and breaking a promise can lead to significant social repercussions. The concept of 违约 is taken seriously in business dealings, reflecting the importance of trust and reputation.
Memory Tip
Think of 违 (wéi) as 'to go against' (the radical indicates a deviation), and 约 (yuē) as 'to promise' or 'to arrange'. Imagine a situation where you promised a friend to meet, but instead, you went against that promise. The sound 'wéiyuē' can remind you of 'way you' went back on your word.
Meanings of 违约
wéiyuē(wei2yue1)
1to break a promise
2to violate an agreement
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About 违约
违约Simplified
違約Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 违约
Podcast: 违约
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AI Study Notes for 违约
Quick Contrast
违约 (wéiyuē) vs 违背 (wéibèi) — use 违约 for legal contracts and obligations, while 违背 refers to breaking rules or principles.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 违 (wéi) as 'to go against' (the radical indicates a deviation), and 约 (yuē) as 'to promise' or 'to arrange'. Imagine a situation where you promised a friend to meet, but instead, you went against that promise. The sound 'wéiyuē' can remind you of 'way you' went back on your word.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 违 (wéi) is pronounced with the second tone, while 约 (yuē) is pronounced with the first tone. Common collocations include 违约金 (wéiyuē jīn), meaning 'penalty for breach of contract'. This term is generally used in formal settings, especially in business.
HSK Study Tips
Although 违约 is not on the official HSK list, it connects to topics at HSK level 5 and above, particularly in discussions of contracts and obligations. Students should focus on vocabulary related to legal and financial terminology to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, honoring agreements is highly valued, and breaking a promise can lead to significant social repercussions. The concept of 违约 is taken seriously in business dealings, reflecting the importance of trust and reputation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 违约 with 违反 (wéifǎn), which means 'to violate' in a broader sense. For example, saying '我违约了合同' (wǒ wéiyuē le hétonɡ) instead of '我违反了合同' (wǒ wéifǎn le hétonɡ) can lead to misunderstandings, as '违约' is more specifically about contracts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 违约
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Cultural Notes for 违约
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, honoring agreements is highly valued, and breaking a promise can lead to significant social repercussions. The concept of 违约 is taken seriously in business dealings, reflecting the importance of trust and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 违约
违约 refers specifically to violating a contract or agreement, while 失约 emphasizes the failure to keep an appointment or promise.
Yes, it can be used in both contexts, although it is more commonly associated with formal agreements in business and legal settings.
Consequences can include financial penalties, loss of trust, or legal action depending on the severity of the breach.
