Definition
面子 (miàn zi) refers to social 'face' — one's prestige, reputation, and dignity in social interactions, often involving saving or giving face. It is more about social standing and relationships than 尊严 (zūn yán), which is inherent human dignity, or 体面 (tǐ miàn), which emphasizes being respectable or decent in appearance. 面子 also literally means 'outer surface'.
noun
(figurative) facesocial prestigedignity(literal) outer surfacethe outside of something
Examples
- 面子，。Zhè jiàn yīfu de miàn zi shì sīchóu zuò de, hěn guānghuá.The outer surface of this piece of clothing is made of silk, very smooth.
- ，面子。Zài tánpàn zhōng, shuāngfāng dōu yào gěi duìfāng liú diǎn miàn zi.During negotiations, both sides should save some face for each other.
- 面子，。Tā wèile miàn zi, jiè qián yě yào qǐng péngyou chī dà cān.For the sake of face, he would borrow money to treat his friends to a big meal.
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