当面

• Pinyin: dāng miàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 当 = facing, in front of; 面 = 面 (face, surface)

Meaning

Face-to-face; in person; directly in the presence of someone. Indicates that communication or action occurs with the person physically present.

Used when an issue is addressed directly with the person concerned, as opposed to through intermediaries or behind their back. Carries connotations of directness, accountability, or confrontation.

Examples

1. 他要求当面向对方说清楚事情的来龙去脉。 He asked to explain the whole sequence of events to the other party face-to-face.
2. 如有异议，请当面提出，不要在背后议论。 If you have objections, please raise them in person instead of discussing them behind people's backs.
3. 领导当面表扬了这位员工的突出表现。 The leader praised this employee's outstanding performance to their face.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, conflict resolution, etiquette

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 有问题最好当面沟通，避免误解加深。(It is best to communicate face-to-face when problems arise, to prevent misunderstandings from deepening.)
• 请当面告知对方你的真实想法，不要绕弯子。(Please convey your true thoughts directly to the person; do not beat around the bush.)

Don't Say

• 我当面了他 — 当面 is an adverb, not a verb; say 我当面告诉了他 or 我当面找他谈了

Origin & History

当 (facing) + 面 (face)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal