当着

• Pinyin: dāng zhe
• Hanzi breakdown: 当 = facing, in front of; 着 = 羊 + 目 (aspect particle, ongoing state)

Meaning

In the presence of; in front of (someone). Indicates that an action takes place with specific people witnessing it.

Used to emphasise that a statement or action occurred openly before specific witnesses, often implying public accountability, confrontation, or deliberate demonstration. Typically followed by a person or group plus 的面.

Examples

1. 他当着全体员工的面宣布了辞职的决定。 He announced his decision to resign in front of all the employees.
2. 请不要当着孩子们的面争吵，这对他们的成长极为不利。 Please do not argue in front of the children; it is extremely harmful to their development.
3. 律师要求双方当着公证人的面共同签署协议。 The lawyer required both parties to sign the agreement together in the presence of the notary.

Usage Guide

Context: confrontation, accountability, social situations

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 当着大家的面承认错误，需要极大的勇气。(Admitting mistakes in front of everyone requires great courage.)
• 他当着众多记者的面否认了所有指控。(He denied all accusations in front of numerous reporters.)

Don't Say

• 当着我说 — the full pattern requires 当着……的面; say 当着我的面说 for 'say it in front of me'

Origin & History

当 (facing, in front of) + 着 (aspect particle indicating ongoing state)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal