Definition
打照面 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to run into someone face to face' — usually briefly and unexpectedly. The structure splits when you add a time or frequency element: 打了一个照面 ('met briefly'), 打过照面 ('have met before'). It's different from 见面, which implies a planned meeting. 打照面 always carries the sense of a fleeting, often accidental encounter.
v.o.
to run into (someone) brieflyto meet face to face (unexpectedly)
Examples
- 打照面。Wǒmen zhǐ zài zǒuláng shàng dǎ le yí gè dá.We only ran into each other briefly in the hallway.
- 打照面，。Wǒ gēn tā dǎ guò yí cì dá, dàn méi shuō guò huà.I've run into her once, but we've never spoken.
- 打照面，。Zài jiē shàng tūrán dá, wǒmen dōu xià le yí tiào.Running into each other suddenly on the street, we were both startled.
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