Definition
现眼 is a colloquial verb-object compound (离合词) primarily used in Northern Mandarin dialects, meaning 'to make a fool of oneself' or 'to lose face' in a public, embarrassing way. Unlike the more standard 丢脸, 现眼 emphasizes the act of exposing oneself to ridicule or shame in front of others. As a separable verb, you can insert measure words or modifiers between 现 and 眼, such as 现了一次眼 ('made a fool of oneself once'). It is used in informal settings and carries a vivid, sometimes humorous tone.
v.o.
to make a fool of oneself (in public)to lose face
Examples
- 现眼，。Tā zǒng ài zài biérén miànqián xiàn yǎn, zhēn ràng rén shòu bù liǎo.He always loves to make a fool of himself in front of others; it's really unbearable.
- ，。Tā zài gōngsī niánhuì shàng shuō cuò huà le, xiàn le yí cì yǎn.He said the wrong thing at the company annual party and made a fool of himself.
- 现眼。Nǐ zhèyàng zuò zhǐ huì ràng jiārén zài qīnqi miànqián xiàn yǎn.Doing this will only make your family lose face in front of relatives.
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