To be '体面' is to present oneself with dignity, respectability, and appropriateness in both appearance and conduct.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Decent, respectable, and dignified appearance or demeanor.
- Implies inner substance matching outer presentation.
- Crucial for social respect and personal dignity.
Overview
“体面”是一个描述性的词语，用来形容人或事物在外观、举止、品格或社会地位上所表现出的得体、尊严和受人尊敬的特质。它不仅仅指外表的整洁或光鲜，更包含了一种内在的修养和与身份相符的行为举止，能够给人留下良好、正面的印象。在不同的语境下，“体面”可以指代经济上的宽裕，也可以指代精神上的富足和尊严感。
“体面”常用来形容人的外表、穿着、工作、生活状况，有时也用来形容行为或场合。它可以作为形容词使用，描述某人或某物“是体面的”；也可以作为名词使用，强调“有体面”的状态或追求“体面”。例如，人们会说“他穿着很体面”，表示他的着装符合场合要求且显得有品位；或者说“找一份体面的工作”，意味着这份工作既能带来收入，又能获得社会认可和尊重。
“体面”经常出现在关于个人形象、职业发展、社会交往和生活品质的讨论中。在求职时，人们希望找到一份“体面的工作”；在社交场合，人们注重“衣着体面”以示尊重；在描述生活水平时，也会提到“生活体面”来表示经济稳定且有一定品质；在处理人际关系时，也会强调“给对方留个体面”，意指顾及对方的感受和尊严。
“体面”与“有面子”、“光鲜”、“体统”等词语有相似之处，但侧重点不同。“有面子”更偏向于满足虚荣心或在他人面前获得赞赏，强调的是外在的、表面的荣耀；“光鲜”则主要指外表亮丽、吸引人，可能缺乏内在的深度；“体统”则更强调符合礼仪规范、合乎规矩，侧重于行为的合乎身份和场合。而“体面”则更综合，既包含外在的得体，也暗示内在的尊严和受人尊敬的品质。
Examples
他虽然收入不高，但为人正直，做事体面，赢得了大家的尊重。
everydayAlthough his income is not high, he is upright and acts with dignity, earning everyone's respect.
为了在客户面前显得体面，他特意穿上了新买的西装。
formalTo appear respectable in front of clients, he specifically wore his newly bought suit.
现在找一份体面的工作可不容易啊。
informalFinding a decent job is not easy these days.
该研究旨在探讨社会经济地位对个体生活满意度的影响，其中“体面”的生活水平是重要的考量因素之一。
academicThis study aims to explore the impact of socioeconomic status on individual life satisfaction, where a 'decent' standard of living is one of the important considerations.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
给面子
Give face (show respect)
丢面子
Lose face
体面人
Respectable person
Often Confused With
'体面' emphasizes inherent dignity and respectability, while '有面子' focuses more on external prestige and social approval, often related to vanity.
'光鲜' primarily refers to a bright, attractive, and possibly superficial appearance. '体面' implies a deeper sense of respectability that includes appropriate behavior and inner substance, not just outward attractiveness.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Register is generally neutral to formal. It implies a standard of respectability that is valued in society. Avoid using it in contexts where extreme casualness or vulgarity is the norm. It often carries connotations of financial stability and social standing.
Common Mistakes
Confusing '体面' with simply 'looking good' or 'being rich'. True '体面' involves a balance of inner character and outward presentation. Also, sometimes mistaking it for '有面子' which leans more towards vanity.
Tips
Maintain Appropriate Appearance
Ensure your clothing and grooming are suitable for the context, reflecting respect for yourself and others.
Avoid Superficiality
True '体面' goes beyond mere outward show; cultivate inner qualities and genuine respectability.
Social Harmony and Respect
In Chinese culture, '体面' is important for maintaining social harmony and showing respect to elders and society.
Word Origin
The character '体' (tǐ) means body, form, or substance. '面' (miàn) means face or surface. Together, '体面' literally suggests having a good form/substance and a respectable appearance, leading to the meaning of dignity and respectability.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, maintaining '体面' is often linked to family honor and social reputation. It reflects a desire for stability, respect, and a good standing within the community and society.
Memory Tip
Think of '体面' as 'having a good body (体)' and 'face (面)' - presenting yourself well in both substance and appearance to be respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“体面”更侧重于内在的修养、品格以及与身份地位相符的得体表现，是一种内在的尊严感。“有面子”则更偏向于外在的、虚荣的荣耀，是为了满足虚荣心或在他人面前获得赞赏。
可以。“体面”也可以用来形容物品，比如“体面的家具”或“体面的车”，通常指这些物品在外观上显得大方、有品质，符合主人的身份和品味，给人一种舒适和尊贵的感觉。
在工作中，“体面”通常指拥有一份稳定的、受人尊敬且收入尚可的工作。它不仅关乎薪资，也关乎工作的社会价值、发展前景以及工作环境是否能让人感到舒适和有尊严。
要显得“体面”，需要注意言行举止得体，穿着打扮符合身份和场合，保持良好的个人卫生和修养，同时也要有稳定的经济基础和积极的生活态度。
Test Yourself
他努力工作，就是为了给家人一个______的生活。
“体面的生活”指生活富裕、舒适且有尊严，符合语境。
在重要的商务会议上，他穿着一身______的西装，显得非常专业。
“体面的西装”符合商务场合的要求，既专业又显得有品质和尊重。
词语：工作，体面，找到，他，一份
这是最符合中文语法和表达习惯的句子结构。
Score: /3
Summary
To be '体面' is to present oneself with dignity, respectability, and appropriateness in both appearance and conduct.
- Decent, respectable, and dignified appearance or demeanor.
- Implies inner substance matching outer presentation.
- Crucial for social respect and personal dignity.
Maintain Appropriate Appearance
Ensure your clothing and grooming are suitable for the context, reflecting respect for yourself and others.
Avoid Superficiality
True '体面' goes beyond mere outward show; cultivate inner qualities and genuine respectability.
Social Harmony and Respect
In Chinese culture, '体面' is important for maintaining social harmony and showing respect to elders and society.
Examples
4 of 4他虽然收入不高，但为人正直，做事体面，赢得了大家的尊重。
Although his income is not high, he is upright and acts with dignity, earning everyone's respect.
为了在客户面前显得体面，他特意穿上了新买的西装。
To appear respectable in front of clients, he specifically wore his newly bought suit.
现在找一份体面的工作可不容易啊。
Finding a decent job is not easy these days.
该研究旨在探讨社会经济地位对个体生活满意度的影响，其中“体面”的生活水平是重要的考量因素之一。
This study aims to explore the impact of socioeconomic status on individual life satisfaction, where a 'decent' standard of living is one of the important considerations.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
