strive for prestige; save face
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to strive for prestige or honor; to compete for social standing; to save face
Commonly used in social contexts where maintaining or enhancing one's reputation among peers is important. Often implies a competitive or defensive attitude.
Tā他
zhè这
yàng样
zuò做
zhǐ只
shì是
wèi为
le了
zhēng争
miàn面
zi子
，
qí其
shí实
méi没
nà那
gè个
bì必
yào要
。
He only did this to save face; actually, there was no need for it.
Bù不
yào要
wèi为
le了
zhēng争
miàn面
zi子
ér而
luàn乱
huā花
qián钱
。
Don't spend money recklessly just to keep up appearances.
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Zhè这
liǎng两
jiā家
rén人
zǒng总
shì是
zài在
hù互
xiāng相
zhēng争
miàn面
zi子
。
These two families are always competing with each other for prestige.
Tā他
suī虽
rán然
shū输
le了
bǐ比
sài赛
，
dàn但
zhì至
shǎo少
zhēng争
huí回
le了
miàn面
zi子
。
Although he lost the match, at least he salvaged his dignity.