面子 (miàn zi) — (figurative) face, social prestige, dignity; (literal) outer surface, the outside of something
Definition
面子 is the figurative 'face / social prestige' — your standing in others' eyes, the image you protect. Don't confuse with 面部, the literal physical face.
noun
(figurative) facesocial prestigedignity(literal) outer surfacethe outside of something
Examples
- 面子，。Zhè jiàn yī fu de miàn zi shì sī chóu zuò de, hěn guāng huá.The outer surface of this piece of clothing is made of silk, very smooth.
- ，面子。Zài tán pàn zhōng, shuāng fāng dōu yào gěi duì fāng liú diǎn miàn zi.During negotiations, both sides should save some face for each other.
- 面子，。Tā wèi le miàn zi, jiè qián yě yào qǐng péng you chī dà cān.For the sake of face, he would borrow money to treat his friends to a big meal.
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