Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
面子miànzi(mian4zi5)
面子 (miànzi) refers to the concept of 'face' in a social context, encompassing one's reputation, honor, and self-respect. It is often used to describe the importance of maintaining dignity in social interactions, where losing face can have significant emotional and social consequences.
Frequency#5774DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 面子 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, where maintaining one's honor and dignity is paramount during social interactions. It often influences business dealings and personal relationships, reflecting the collectivist nature of Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mirror reflecting your outer appearance and social standing—this is your 面子. The character 面 (miàn) looks like a face, while 子 (zi) can represent something small or personal, helping you remember that it’s about your personal honor and social image.
Meanings of 面子
miànzi(mian4zi5)
1outer surface
2outside
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 面子
面子Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5774Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 面子
Podcast: 面子
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 面子
Quick Contrast
[31m面子 (miànzi) vs 体面 (tǐmiàn): Use 面子 when referring specifically to social reputation or honor, while 体面 emphasizes a more general sense of dignity or respectability.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mirror reflecting your outer appearance and social standing—this is your 面子. The character 面 (miàn) looks like a face, while 子 (zi) can represent something small or personal, helping you remember that it’s about your personal honor and social image.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 面子, as it can carry strong emotional connotations. In informal contexts, it may be used jokingly, but in formal scenarios, it is serious. Common collocations include '给面子' (to give face) and '丢面子' (to lose face).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 面子 connects to themes of social interaction and respect, which are crucial at this level. Focus on its usage in idiomatic expressions and its implications in conversations about social dynamics.
Cultural Note
The concept of 面子 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, where maintaining one's honor and dignity is paramount during social interactions. It often influences business dealings and personal relationships, reflecting the collectivist nature of Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 面子 with personal pride, overlooking its broader social implications. For instance, saying '我有面子' (I have face) may sound unnatural; instead, use '我在这方面有面子' (I have face in this matter) to emphasize the context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 面子
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 面子 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 面子 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 面子
面子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 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.
England doesn't want a war but it doesn't want to lose face.
3
他感到羞耻,丢尽了面子.
tā gǎn dào xiū chǐ, , diū jìn le miàn.
He was ashamed and bitterly humiliated.
4
她现在心里倍感内疚：她既让富兰克林丢了面子，又让自己的合伙人损失了钱。
tā xiàn zài xīn lǐ bèi gǎn nèi jiù： ： tā jì ràng fù lán kè lín diū le miàn， zǐ ， yòu ràng zì jǐ de hé huǒ rén sǔn shī。
She now felt doubly guilty; she had embarrassed Franklin and she had cost her partner money.
5
他一次次地被命令滚到船舱去,丢尽了面子.
tā yī cì cì dì bèi mìng líng gǔn dào chuán cāng qù, , diū jìn le miàn.
Time after time he was ordered below in disgrace.
6
使我感到失面子的是:我的稿件被退了回来.
shǐ wǒ gǎn dào shī miàn zǐ de shì: : wǒ de gǎo jiàn bèi tuì le huí.
To my mortification, my manuscript was rejected.
Cultural Notes for 面子
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 面子 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, where maintaining one's honor and dignity is paramount during social interactions. It often influences business dealings and personal relationships, reflecting the collectivist nature of Chinese society.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the concept of 'face' may relate more to personal pride or self-esteem, but it does not carry the same social obligation to maintain it as in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 面子
'Giving face' means respecting someone or acknowledging their status, often by showing courtesy or praise.
To avoid losing face, be mindful of others' feelings and avoid direct criticism, focusing instead on constructive feedback.
While reputation is a significant aspect, 面子 also includes self-respect and emotional well-being in social contexts.
