顔を立てる

• Reading: かおをたてる
• Romaji: kao wo tateru
• Kanji breakdown: 顔 (gan/kao) — face; 立 (ritsu/ta) — stand, establish
• Pronunciation: /ka.o.o.ta.te.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To save face; to show deference; to make someone look good. To act in a way that preserves another person's dignity or reputation.

An expression using Group 2 (ichidan) verb 立てる. Literally 'to stand up someone's face,' meaning to act in a way that protects or enhances another person's reputation or social standing. Central to Japanese social dynamics where maintaining harmony and respecting hierarchies is essential. Often involves yielding credit or deferring to someone publicly.

Examples

1. 先輩の顔を立てて意見を控えた。 I held back my opinion to save face for my senior.
2. 部長の顔を立てるために提案を受け入れた。 I accepted the proposal to preserve the department head's dignity.
3. 相手の顔を立てることも社会では大切だ。 Saving face for others is also important in society.

Usage Guide

Context: business, social relations, hierarchy

Tone: diplomatic

Origin & History

From the concept of 顔 (face) as social reputation — a notion shared across East Asian cultures. 立てる (to stand, raise) here means to uphold or elevate, so the expression means to uphold someone's social face.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal