Chinese phrases
How to say it’s a deal in Chinese
It’s a deal in Chinese is 一言为定 (yì yán wéi dìng), literally “one word, and it’s settled.” Say it to seal a plan or a promise with someone.
一言为定
it’s a deal
一 changes to yì before the second tone of 言: yì yán, not yī yán.
Ways to say it’s a deal
一言为定
Everydayit’s a deal
To seal a plan or a promise: dinner on Friday, a bet, a favour you will return. Adults and children use it.
说好了
With friendsagreed; we’re on
Between friends, to confirm a plan. It also reminds the other person that they agreed.
就这么定了
Everydaythat’s settled, then
To end a discussion with a decision: where to eat, who books the tickets.
成交
Everydaydeal! (in a sale)
When you agree on a price, for example after bargaining at a market. Friends also say it, playfully, to close a trade of favours.
How to answer 一言为定
一言为定
it’s a deal
Say the same words back.
没问题
no problem
A relaxed yes.
说话算话
I’ll keep my word
A promise that you will do your part.
Common mistakes
Using 交易 for “deal”
交易 means a business transaction or a trade. 这是一个交易 sounds like a contract, or like something shady. For a plan with a friend, say 一言为定.
Using 成交 to confirm a plan
成交 closes a sale or a trade. Friends use it playfully when they swap favours, but not to confirm a time or a plan. For that, say 一言为定 or 说好了.
Saying yī yán
一 before a second tone is said yì: yì yán wéi dìng.
Planning a hike
周六一起去爬山吧？
Qiqi: Shall we go hiking on Saturday?
好啊，早上八点见？
Leon: Sure. See you at eight in the morning?
一言为定！
Qiqi: It’s a deal!
说好了，不许迟到啊！
Leon: Agreed. Don’t be late!
