be concerned about face; care about reputation
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to be concerned about one's reputation; to be sensitive about losing face; to care about face
Often implies excessive concern with outward appearance or dignity. Can be used neutrally or with slight negative connotation suggesting vanity.
Tā他
hěn很
ài爱
miàn面
zi子
，
cóng从
bù不
kěn肯
xiàng向
bié别
rén人
jiè借
qián钱
。
He cares too much about face and never asks others to borrow money.
Zhōng中
guó国
rén人
chuán传
tǒng统
shàng上
bǐ比
jiào较
ài爱
miàn面
zi子
。
Chinese people traditionally place great importance on saving face.
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Sǐ死
yào要
miàn面
zi子
huó活
shòu受
zuì罪
。
Suffering bitterly just to keep up appearances.