build trust
يبني الثقة
Use `build trust` when describing the intentional effort to make someone feel they can rely on you.
In 15 Seconds
- Creating a foundation of honesty and reliability over time.
- Used in professional, romantic, and personal relationship contexts.
- Implies that trust is earned through consistent, positive actions.
Meaning
To slowly create a feeling of safety and honesty between people. It is like building a house where every good action is a new brick.
Key Examples
3 of 6Starting a new job
I'm trying to build trust with my manager by meeting every deadline.
I'm trying to build trust with my manager by meeting every deadline.
Apologizing to a partner
I know I messed up, and I'm willing to do the work to build trust again.
I know I messed up, and I'm willing to do the work to build trust again.
Texting a new friend
It takes time to build trust, but I'm glad we're getting to know each other.
It takes time to build trust, but I'm glad we're getting to know each other.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a Western 'low-context' culture where trust isn't assumed by family rank but earned through individual performance. It rose to prominence in management psychology during the late 20th century as hierarchical structures shifted toward teamwork. It emphasizes that trust is a fragile, manufactured asset rather than a natural given.
The 'Brick' Mental Image
Whenever you use this phrase, imagine you are holding a brick. It helps you remember that this is a slow, physical-feeling process.
Don't say 'Build a Trust'
In English, 'a trust' is a legal financial arrangement (like for an inheritance). Always say 'build trust' without the 'a' for the emotion.
In 15 Seconds
- Creating a foundation of honesty and reliability over time.
- Used in professional, romantic, and personal relationship contexts.
- Implies that trust is earned through consistent, positive actions.
What It Means
To build trust is to create a solid foundation of reliability. You do not just 'get' trust; you have to work for it. Think of it like a long-term construction project. Every time you keep a promise, you add a brick. If you lie, the wall might fall down. It is about proving that people can depend on you over time. It is not a one-time event, but a slow process of showing your true character.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about relationships, whether at work or home. You can say you are trying to build trust with a new puppy. You might say a company needs to build trust with its customers after a mistake. It often follows verbs like need to, want to, or strive to. You can also talk about things that help build trust, like being honest or showing up on time. It is a very active phrase that implies effort.
When To Use It
Use it when a relationship is new and needs to grow. It is perfect for a first date follow-up or a new job. Use it when a relationship is broken and needs fixing. If you forgot your best friend's birthday, you have to build trust again. It is great for professional settings when discussing team dynamics. It also works in marketing when discussing how a brand connects with people. Basically, use it whenever honesty and reliability are the main topics.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, unimportant things. You do not build trust by choosing a pizza topping. Avoid using it if the relationship is already very deep and solid. Saying "I want to build trust" to your mother of 30 years might sound weird. It sounds a bit too serious for very casual, fleeting interactions. Do not say it to a cashier at the grocery store. They just want you to pay and move on, not build a lifelong bond.
Cultural Background
In Western cultures, building trust is often tied to 'transparency' and 'consistency'. People value 'actions over words'. You cannot just say you are trustworthy; you must prove it. There is a famous saying: "Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets." This means it takes a long time to create but only a second to destroy. In business, this phrase became a massive buzzword in the early 2000s. Now, it is a standard part of how people talk about healthy leadership.
Common Variations
You will often hear earn trust, which feels a bit more difficult. Establish trust is the more formal version used in legal or official documents. Gain trust implies you are winning someone over. On the negative side, we talk about breaking trust or eroding trust. If you are doing it together, you might say you are building mutual trust. Each variation changes the 'vibe' slightly, but the construction metaphor usually stays the same.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and safe for almost any context. Just remember that it implies a gradual process, so it doesn't fit 'instant' situations.
The 'Brick' Mental Image
Whenever you use this phrase, imagine you are holding a brick. It helps you remember that this is a slow, physical-feeling process.
Don't say 'Build a Trust'
In English, 'a trust' is a legal financial arrangement (like for an inheritance). Always say 'build trust' without the 'a' for the emotion.
The American 'Coffee' Rule
In the US, people often 'build trust' by having casual coffee chats before doing big business deals. It's the 'getting to know you' phase.
Examples
6I'm trying to build trust with my manager by meeting every deadline.
I'm trying to build trust with my manager by meeting every deadline.
Focuses on professional reliability.
I know I messed up, and I'm willing to do the work to build trust again.
I know I messed up, and I'm willing to do the work to build trust again.
Shows vulnerability and commitment to repair.
It takes time to build trust, but I'm glad we're getting to know each other.
It takes time to build trust, but I'm glad we're getting to know each other.
Warm and encouraging for a developing friendship.
Our primary goal this year is to build trust with our community.
Our primary goal this year is to build trust with our community.
Formal statement of intent.
I've been trying to build trust with my cat for three years, but he still judges me.
I've been trying to build trust with my cat for three years, but he still judges me.
Uses the serious phrase for a funny, relatable pet situation.
You can't rush it; you just have to be consistent to build trust.
You can't rush it; you just have to be consistent to build trust.
Casual advice-giving.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the collocation.
If you want to ___ trust with your team, you should be honest about the challenges.
In English, we 'build' trust like a structure; we don't 'make' or 'do' it.
Identify the best context for the phrase.
The company launched a transparency campaign to ___ trust with skeptical voters.
A transparency campaign is designed to create a positive connection, which is 'building' trust.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Build Trust'
Talking to a friend about a date.
I'm building trust with him.
Standard workplace or social use.
We need to build trust here.
Corporate speeches or diplomacy.
To build trust between nations.
Where to Build Trust
New Romance
Sharing secrets slowly.
Business
Delivering projects on time.
Parenting
Keeping promises to kids.
Crisis Management
Apologizing for a mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'make trust' sounds unnatural. We always use build trust or earn trust to describe the process.
Not at all! You can build trust with friends, partners, or even your pets. It's used anywhere a relationship exists.
Build trust focuses on the time and process. Earn trust focuses on the effort and deserving the result.
It is neutral. You can use it in a serious board meeting or while chatting with a friend at a bar.
You simply change 'build' to 'built'. For example: 'We built trust over many years of working together.'
Yes, marketing experts often talk about how to build trust with consumers through honest advertising.
The most common opposites are breaking trust, betraying trust, or eroding trust.
It can be a bit of a 'buzzword' in corporate offices, but in personal life, it still sounds very sincere.
Yes! People often talk about building self-trust by keeping promises they make to themselves, like exercising.
You could just say 'getting to trust someone,' but build trust is the most common and precise way to say it.
Related Phrases
Earn respect
To behave in a way that makes others admire you.
Win someone over
To persuade someone to like or support you.
Break the ice
To start a conversation to feel more comfortable.
Establish rapport
To create a friendly, harmonious relationship quickly.
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