Definition
情面 refers to the interpersonal dynamic of sparing someone’s feelings or preserving social harmony because of a personal relationship. It often implies a reluctance to act in a way that would embarrass or upset the other person. You'll commonly hear it in phrases like 顾情面 (consider personal feelings) or 不讲情面 (pay no regard to personal feelings).
n.
(n.) personal feelings and social face that lead one to be lenient or avoid offending someone in a relationship
Examples
- 情面，。Tā tài gù qíng miàn, jiéguǒ shénme shì dōu bù gǎn shuō.He cares too much about sparing feelings, so in the end he doesn't dare say anything.
- ，。Zhège lǎobǎn bàn shì bù jiǎng qíng miàn, zhǐ kàn jiéguǒ.This boss handles things without regard for personal feelings — he only looks at results.
- 情面。Tā shízài lā bù xià qíng miàn lái jùjué péngyou.He really couldn't bring himself to refuse his friend without losing face.
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