Definition
老脸 literally means 'old face' and primarily refers to the face or dignity (面子) of an elderly person — losing 老脸 means losing face in front of others. It can also be used as a stative verb meaning 'shameless' or 'brazen', describing someone who acts without shame (often an older person who disregards social norms). The word carries cultural weight: saving and losing face is a core social concern; calling someone 老脸 is a strong criticism of their lack of propriety.
s.v.
(stative verb) shamelessbrazen
Examples
- ，。Tā zhème lǎo liǎn, hái gǎn zài biérén jiā shuō zhè zhǒng huà.He is so shameless that he dares to say such things at someone else's house.
- ，。Nǐ zhèyàng zuò tài lǎo liǎn le, lián jīběn de zūnzhòng dōu bù dǒng.What you did was so brazen — you don't even understand basic respect.
- ，。Tā lǎo liǎn de kāikǒu yào qián, ràng dàjiā dōu hěn nánkān.She brazenly asked for money, which made everyone very embarrassed.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.