面孔 (miàn kǒng) — face (formal or literary sense)

Definition

面孔 (miàn kǒng) is a formal/literary word for 'face', used for both a person's face and figuratively (e.g., the face of a city). It is more literary than 面 (miàn), which is broader (face, side, aspect) and appears in compounds like 面孔 itself. 面貌 (miàn mào) also means 'face' but emphasizes facial features or figurative appearance rather than the whole face.

noun

face (formal or literary sense)

Examples

面孔。
Zhè zhāng miàn kǒng kàn qǐlai yǒuxiē miàn shú.
This face looks somewhat familiar.
面孔。
Tā lù chū le yí fù kùnhuò de miàn kǒng.
He revealed a puzzled expression on his face.
面孔。
Zhè zuò chéngshì de miàn kǒng měitiān dōu zài gǎibiàn.
The face of this city changes every day.

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.