打照面 () — to run into (someone) briefly, to meet face to face (unexpectedly)

Definition

A colloquial phrase meaning to bump into someone briefly or unexpectedly — usually face-to-face in passing. No true near-synonym sibling in this row; treat it as a casual alternative to 见面 in unplanned encounters.

verb
to run into (someone) brieflyto meet face to face (unexpectedly)

Examples

  • 打照面
    Wǒ men zhī zài zǒu láng shàng dǎ le yí gè dá.
    We only ran into each other briefly in the hallway.
  • 打照面
    Wǒ gēn tā dǎ guò yí cì dá, dàn méi shuō guò huà.
    I've run into her once, but we've never spoken.
  • 打照面
    Zài jiē shàng tū rán dá, wǒ men dōu xià le yí tiào.
    Running into each other suddenly on the street, we were both startled.

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