Definition
面目 has two main clusters of meaning: (1) the literal face or facial features, and (2) the figurative 'face' or 'image' — the way something or someone appears to others. The second cluster overlaps with the cultural concept of 面子 (miànzi, 'social face'), so 面目 can also carry nuances of dignity or honor in fixed expressions like 面目全非 ('changed beyond recognition') or 面目可憎 ('disgusting appearance'). When used with 真 (true) or 本 (original), it means 'true nature' or 'true colors'.
n.
facefacial featuresappearancelookaspect(figurative) facedignityhonor (similar to 面子)
Examples
- ，面目。Tā suīrán shòu le shāng, dàn miàn mù réngrán hěn ānxiáng.Although he was injured, his expression remained very serene.
- ，面目。Jǐ nián méi jiàn, jiāxiāng de miàn mù yǐjīng dà biàn yàng le.After not seeing it for several years, the appearance of my hometown has completely changed.
- ，面目。Tā zuò zhè zhǒng shì, zhēnshì háo wú miàn mù.He has no sense of shame doing this kind of thing.
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