露面

• Pinyin: lòu miàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 露 = 雨 + 路 (to reveal/expose); 面 = face

Meaning

To show one's face; to appear in public; to make an appearance. Often implies a notable or expected presence that has been absent.

Can be used neutrally (someone simply appearing) or with emphasis on the significance of their presence. Common in news and social contexts when a public figure, reclusive person, or long-absent individual finally shows up.

Examples

1. 那位隐居多年的艺术家终于在画展开幕式上公开露面，引起广泛关注。 The artist who had lived in seclusion for years finally made a public appearance at the exhibition’s opening, drawing widespread attention.
2. 他在事故发生后一直避不露面，公司方面也拒绝回应媒体的采访。 He has kept out of sight since the accident, and the company has also refused to respond to media interviews.
3. 这是她复出后第一次在公众场合露面，粉丝们在场馆外等待了数小时。 This was her first public appearance since her comeback, and fans waited outside the venue for hours.

Usage Guide

Context: news, entertainment, social

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 在外界猜测纷纷之际，这位科技大亨终于在股东大会上公开露面，亲自回应质疑。(Amid widespread speculation, the tech tycoon finally made a public appearance at the shareholders' meeting to personally address the questions.)
• 他婚后很少在社交场合露面，据悉已移居海外定居。(He has rarely appeared in social settings since his marriage and is said to have settled abroad.)

Don't Say

• 用露面形容日常的普通出现 — 露面 carries the connotation of a notable or expected appearance; for ordinary daily encounters use 出现 or 来了 instead

Origin & History

露 (to expose/reveal) + 面 (face) — literally 'to reveal one's face'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal