Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
迎面 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
迎面yíngmiàndirectlyHSK 7, d, rank #23271, Hard
迎面yíngmiànhead-on (collision)HSK 7, d, rank #23271, Hard
迎面yíngmiànin one's face (of wind)HSK 7, d, rank #23271, Hard
yíngmiàn(ying2mian4) T2
  1. 1directly
  2. 2head-on (collision)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
迎面yíngmiàn(ying2mian4)

迎面 (yíngmiàn) refers to something that comes directly at you or head-on. It can be used to describe a physical encounter, such as an oncoming vehicle, or metaphorically, such as facing challenges or emotions directly.

Frequency#23271DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, facing challenges head-on is often seen as a virtue, symbolizing courage and resilience. The phrase is often used in motivational contexts, encouraging people to confront obstacles directly.

Memory Tip

Imagine facing a strong wind head-on, feeling it hit your face. The character 迎 (yíng) looks like someone greeting or welcoming something coming towards them, and 面 (miàn) means face, reinforcing the idea of facing something directly.

Meanings of 迎面

yíngmiàn(ying2mian4)
1directly
2head-on (collision)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 迎面

迎面Simplified
Strokes
Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#23271Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 迎面

JasonAmy

Podcast: 迎面

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 迎面

Quick Contrast

正面 (zhèngmiàn) - use 迎面 when emphasizing the direct approach or confrontation, while 正面 focuses more on the front or positive aspect.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine facing a strong wind head-on, feeling it hit your face. The character 迎 (yíng) looks like someone greeting or welcoming something coming towards them, and 面 (miàn) means face, reinforcing the idea of facing something directly.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing direct encounters. Be cautious with the tones: the first character 迎 is pronounced with a rising tone while 面 falls, which can lead to misunderstandings if mixed up.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 迎面 is connected to more complex vocabulary about interactions and experiences. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe direct confrontations or encounters to better grasp its nuances.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, facing challenges head-on is often seen as a virtue, symbolizing courage and resilience. The phrase is often used in motivational contexts, encouraging people to confront obstacles directly.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 迎面 with 迎接 (yíngjiē), which means to greet or welcome someone. For example, saying '迎面他来' instead of '迎面而来' (He is coming head-on) can lead to confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 迎面

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 迎面 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

yíngto welcome
HSK 57 strokes
View full entry
miànface
HSK 29 strokes
View full entry

Write 迎面

Practice writing 迎面 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 迎面

迎面 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他们的轿车和一辆铰接式货车____相撞了。

Their car was in a head-on smash with an articulated lorry.

Example Sentences for 迎面 (5)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们的轿车和一辆铰接式货车迎面相撞了。

tā mén de jiào chē hé yī liàng jiǎo jiē shì huò chē yíng miàn xiāng zhuàng le。

Their car was in a head-on smash with an articulated lorry.
2
那辆小轿车和货车在浓雾中迎面相撞。

nà liàng xiǎo jiào chē hé huò chē zài nóng wù zhōng yíng miàn xiāng zhuàng。

The car and the van collided head-on in thick fog.
3
他朝迎面开过来的车子放了两枪。

tā zhāo yíng miàn kāi guò lái de chē zǐ fàng le liǎng qiāng。

He loosed off two shots at the oncoming car.
4
越线超车时,轿车和一辆厢式货车迎面相撞。

yuè xiàn chāo chē shí, , jiào chē hé yī liàng xiāng shì huò chē yíng miàn xiāng。

Pulling out to overtake, the car collided head-on with a van.
5
一阵凉风迎面拂来, 吹乱了他的头发.

yī zhèn liáng fēng yíng miàn fú lái, , chuī luàn le tā de tóu.

A cool breeze brushed his face, ruffling his hair.

Cultural Notes for 迎面

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, facing challenges head-on is often seen as a virtue, symbolizing courage and resilience. The phrase is often used in motivational contexts, encouraging people to confront obstacles directly.

Frequently Asked Questions about 迎面

Yes, it can also describe facing abstract challenges or emotions directly.