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Jul 29, 2015 · Why is 'face' so important in Chinese culture. What does it mean to lose face. Where losing face comes from. You’ll also understand the importance of face for Chinese job seekers, for forming solid friendships, and for managing family relationships.
The Chinese concept of “face” (aka 面子 or miànzi) refers to a cultural understanding of respect, honor and social standing. Actions or words that are disrespectful may cause somebody to “lose face” while gifts, awards and other respect-giving actions may “give face”.
To avoid causing a loss of face, it’s essential to approach conversations sensitively and honor the indirect methods of expression favored in Chinese culture. For instance, being overly direct or confrontational can be perceived as disrespectful and should be avoided.
Nov 20, 2019 · Giving face (给面子): Giving deference to someone in order to improve their standing or reputation, or to pay homage to their superior reputation or standing. Losing face (丢脸): Losing social status or hurting one’s reputation.
- Charles Custer
From interactions in Tokyo board rooms to market transactions in the smallest villages in rural China, the concepts of saving face and losing face guide daily life in Asia. What many travelers lament as “culture shock” may simply be a misunderstanding of how the concept of face prevails in Asia.
In Chinese culture, "face" refers to two distinct concepts, although linked in Chinese social relations. One is mianzi ( 面子 ), and the other is lian ( 臉 ), which are used regularly in everyday language although not so much in formal writing. Two influential Chinese authors explained face.
Losing face: being the butt of a joke, not knowing the answer to a question or being blamed for something publicly. Giving face: giving someone a gift, paying someone a compliment or showing deference (opening a door for someone or seating them at the head of a table).
