约定俗成

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yuē dìng sú chéng
• English Translation: To become an established custom or unwritten rule through long-standing practice; to be accepted as an implicit understanding.
• Idiom Composition: 「约」（To promise, to agree）＋「定」（To set, to fix）＋「俗」（Common, customary）＋「成」（To become）
• Meaning: Refers to rules or conventions that are not formally written down but have been agreed upon over a long period among many people and have become established customs. Although not explicitly stated in laws or regulations, they are widely accepted as social norms or implicit understandings.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「约定俗成」 contains the following nuances:

• Implicit agreement: Indicates that although not explicitly promised in words, there is an unspoken agreement among people.
• Power of custom: Expresses that customs formed over a long time have the power to regulate people's behavior.
• Social acceptance: Means that the rules or manners are widely accepted within a particular group or society as a whole.
• Informality: Emphasizes that these are informal arrangements, distinct from official rules or laws.

3. Usage

「约定俗成」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Explaining social norms: Used when explaining implicit rules or manners within a society or group.
  • Example:「在这个村子里，互相帮助是约定俗成的规矩。」
    （In this village, helping each other is an established custom.）
• Describing business customs: Sometimes used to refer to implicit understandings in business contexts.
  • Example:「在这个行业，招待客户是一种约定俗成的商业习惯。」
    （In this industry, entertaining clients is an unwritten rule of business practice.）
• Explaining behavior patterns: Used to explain behavior patterns that people naturally follow in certain situations.
  • Example:「在拥挤的电车里，从里面开始上车已经约定俗成了。」
    （In crowded trains, it is an established custom to board from the inside first.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在这个地区，节日的准备工作由所有居民合作，这已经是一种约定俗成。
   （In this area, it is an established custom for all residents to cooperate in festival preparations.）
2. 在他的公司，不比上司先回家，这已经约定俗成了。
   （In his company, it is an unwritten rule not to leave before the boss.）
3. 在这个游戏中，对新手友好是约定俗成的规则。
   （In this game, being friendly to beginners is an unwritten rule.）
4. 在她们之间，生日互赠礼物已经约定俗成。
   （Among them, exchanging gifts on birthdays has become an established custom.）
5. 在这个社团，新生做自我介绍是约定俗成的。
   （In this club, it is an established custom for new members to introduce themselves.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Collectivism: Chinese culture tends to emphasize collectivism and harmony with others. '约定俗成' is an important concept for understanding how implicit rules form within groups.
• Ambiguity: Since '约定俗成' refers to unwritten rules, its interpretation can be ambiguous. This is especially important to keep in mind when communicating across different cultural backgrounds.
• Potential for change: Although '约定俗成' develops over a long time, these customs can change as society evolves.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 习以为常 (xí yǐ wéi cháng): To become so accustomed to something that it seems normal or natural.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 强加于人 (qiáng jiā yú rén): To impose something forcibly on others.

6. Summary

'约定俗成' is a crucial concept for understanding people's behavior in Chinese society. It should not be overlooked simply because it is unwritten; rather, understanding the cultural background behind it and responding appropriately is essential. Especially in business and intercultural communication, being aware of '约定俗成' can facilitate smoother interactions.