Signification
To act in a way that preserves someone's reputation or honor.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Mentsu' is so strong that people may even lie or hide the truth to save someone's face. This is not seen as 'dishonesty' but as 'kindness' and 'social wisdom.' Face (Miànzi) is a form of social currency. You can 'give face,' 'lose face,' or even 'borrow face' to get things done. It is the foundation of 'Guanxi' (relationships). While 'saving face' is understood, American culture often values 'transparency' and 'directness.' Correcting someone publicly is sometimes seen as 'being honest' rather than 'destroying face.' Honor is a collective trait. Saving the face of a family patriarch is essential, as his 'face' represents the entire family's standing in the community.
The 'Third Party' Rule
This phrase is most powerful when used to describe your actions regarding a third party. It shows you are socially aware.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small favor, it loses its weight. Save it for situations involving hierarchy or public reputation.
Signification
To act in a way that preserves someone's reputation or honor.
The 'Third Party' Rule
This phrase is most powerful when used to describe your actions regarding a third party. It shows you are socially aware.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small favor, it loses its weight. Save it for situations involving hierarchy or public reputation.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate situation to use '{顔|かお}を{立|た}てる'.
Which of these is an example of '{顔|かお}を{立|た}てる'?
Saving face involves protecting someone's reputation, especially in a hierarchy.
Fill in the missing particle and verb form.
{部長|ぶちょう}（ ）{顔|かお}を（ ）ために、{私|わたし}は{黙|だま}っていました。
The pattern is [Person] + の + 顔を立てる.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {田中|たなか}さんがミスをしたけど、みんなの{前|まえ}で{言|い}わないほうがいいかな？ B: うん、（ ）。
Saving his face by not mentioning the mistake in public.
Match the phrase to the cultural concept.
Match '{顔|かお}を{立|た}てる' with its core cultural value.
Saving face is primarily about maintaining social harmony.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhich of these is an example of '{顔|かお}を{立|た}てる'?
Saving face involves protecting someone's reputation, especially in a hierarchy.
{部長|ぶちょう}（ ）{顔|かお}を（ ）ために、{私|わたし}は{黙|だま}っていました。
The pattern is [Person] + の + 顔を立てる.
A: {田中|たなか}さんがミスをしたけど、みんなの{前|まえ}で{言|い}わないほうがいいかな？ B: うん、（ ）。
Saving his face by not mentioning the mistake in public.
Match '{顔|かお}を{立|た}てる' with its core cultural value.
Saving face is primarily about maintaining social harmony.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsYes, but it's less common. Usually, it's used for people 'above' you or equals in a public setting.
No. You might apologize *to* save someone's face, but the phrase describes the *goal* of the action, not the action itself.
Expressions liées
{顔|かお}がつぶれる
contrastTo lose face / to be disgraced.
{顔|かお}に{泥|どろ}を{塗|ぬ}る
similarTo humiliate someone.
{面目|めんぼく}を{保|たも}つ
synonymTo maintain one's honor.
{花|はな}を{持|も}たせる
similarTo give someone the credit.
