面子

• Pinyin: miàn zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 面 = pictograph of a face; 子 = noun suffix

Meaning

Face; dignity; reputation. Social prestige and the desire to maintain respect.

A crucial concept in Chinese culture representing social standing, reputation, and dignity. Losing face causes embarrassment and shame; giving face shows respect. Influences many social interactions and decisions.

Examples

1. 他碍于面子，不好意思直接拒绝。 He was too embarrassed to refuse directly because of saving face.
2. 当着那么多人批评他，太不给面子了。 Criticizing him in front of so many people was too disrespectful.
3. 别太在乎面子，该道歉就道歉。 Don't care too much about face; if you should apologize, then apologize.

Usage Guide

Context: social, cultural, relationships

Tone: culturally significant

Do Say

• 给别人面子很重要。(It's important to give others face.)
• 他丢了面子，心里很不是滋味。(He lost face and felt very uncomfortable.)

Don't Say

• 你的面子很漂亮。(面子 refers to social face/dignity, not physical appearance — use 脸 for the physical face)

Origin & History

面 (miàn, face) + 子 (zi, noun suffix). One's face or social standing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal