1.
practice what you preach
To actually do what one has declared one will do; to keep one's word and carry out one's stated intentions.
有言実行できる人は信頼される。
People who practice what they preach are trusted.
彼は有言実行の人だ。
He's a man who follows through on his word.
有言実行をモットーにしている。
My motto is to always follow through on what I say.
FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語):
有言 (stating/declaring) + 実行 (carrying out, execution)
COMPONENTS:
- 有: to have, to exist
- 言: words, to say
- 実: reality, truth
- 行: action, to do
CONTRAST WITH 不言実行:
不言実行 (acting without speaking) is the opposite concept—doing things without announcing them beforehand. Both are considered virtues in different contexts.
USAGE:
Often used as a personal motto or to describe someone reliable who keeps their promises.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 言行一致: consistency between words and actions
- 約束を守る: to keep a promise
- 有言する: to declare, to state publicly