Meaning and Usage
"丢脸" literally means "to lose face," referring to feeling embarrassed or ashamed in front of others. It is commonly used to express situations where someone feels they have lost dignity or respect due to their actions or mistakes.
Common Contexts
This phrase is often used in social or professional settings when someone makes a mistake, behaves improperly, or fails to meet expectations, causing embarrassment.
Collocations and Patterns
- 丢脸面 (lose face and reputation): emphasizes social standing
- 不想丢脸 (don't want to lose face): expresses motivation to avoid embarrassment
- 丢了脸 (lost face): past tense usage
Usage Notes
"丢脸" is informal but widely used in spoken and written Chinese. It often carries a negative connotation and can be sensitive depending on context. Avoid using it in overly formal or polite situations.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "丢脸" with "难看" (ugly or embarrassing in appearance). "丢脸" focuses on social embarrassment or loss of dignity rather than physical appearance.