Facing reality with a serious and responsible attitude without evasion.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To face a difficult situation squarely.
- Do not avoid or ignore problems.
- Adopt a serious and responsible attitude.
常见情境：常见于探讨社会问题、企业管理、个人成长以及历史评价。例如，在面对失败时，我们需要“正视”自己的不足；在处理国际关系时，国家需要“正视”历史遗留问题。
- 1近义词辨析：与“直面”相比，“正视”更强调态度的严肃性和对待问题的认真程度，不仅仅是“直接面对”，还包含“重视”的含义。与“面对”相比，“正视”的语义更窄，仅用于严肃的、需要解决的问题，不能用于简单的动作，如“正视着他”是不自然的表达，应使用“盯着他”。
Examples
我们必须正视现实，才能找到解决问题的办法。
everydayWe must face reality squarely to find a solution.
公司高层决定正视市场份额下滑的问题。
formalThe company's top management decided to address the issue of declining market share.
你得正视自己的缺点，只有这样才能进步。
informalYou have to face your own shortcomings; only then can you make progress.
该报告要求各国正视气候变化带来的全球影响。
academicThe report calls on all countries to squarely face the global impact of climate change.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
正视自己的错误
face one's own mistakes
不敢正视
dare not face
正视差距
face the gap/disparity
Often Confused With
Refers to looking at something with focus or intensity. It is about the physical act of seeing, not the attitude toward a problem.
Very similar to '正视', but '直面' focuses more on the action of confronting something directly, while '正视' focuses on the seriousness of the attitude.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '正视' in formal or serious contexts. It is a transitive verb that requires an object related to a difficulty or reality. Avoid using it for simple visual observation.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it to mean 'looking at someone' (e.g., '正视他'), which is incorrect. It should only be used for abstract concepts or problems. Do not confuse it with '重视' (to attach importance to).
Tips
Use with abstract nouns for best effect
It works best when followed by abstract nouns like 'problem', 'reality', or 'shortcoming'. Avoid using it with concrete objects.
Do not use for physical staring
Do not use '正视' to mean looking at someone physically. Use '注视' or '盯着看' instead.
Reflects a proactive problem-solving culture
In Chinese culture, '正视' is often praised as a virtue of a courageous and mature person who takes responsibility.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of '正' (correct, upright) and '视' (to look). It encapsulates the idea of looking at something in the correct, honest manner.
Cultural Context
In Chinese leadership and educational discourse, '正视' is frequently used to encourage people to drop their pride and acknowledge faults. It is seen as the first step toward improvement.
Memory Tip
Think of '正' (correct/straight) + '视' (to look). Look straight at the problem correctly, don't look away.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“面对”是一个中性词，指处于某种情境中；而“正视”强调态度严肃，不逃避问题，带有解决困难的积极暗示。
通常不用于人。我们不说“正视他”，而说“正视他的建议”或“正视他的错误”。
它多用于正式场合，如会议、新闻评论或书面报告，用来表达对困难或争议性问题的正式态度。
常见的反义词有“回避”、“逃避”、“忽视”或“掩盖”。
Test Yourself
我们必须___当前的困难，而不是选择逃避。
只有“正视”体现了严肃面对困难并解决它的态度。
Score: /1
Summary
Facing reality with a serious and responsible attitude without evasion.
- To face a difficult situation squarely.
- Do not avoid or ignore problems.
- Adopt a serious and responsible attitude.
Use with abstract nouns for best effect
It works best when followed by abstract nouns like 'problem', 'reality', or 'shortcoming'. Avoid using it with concrete objects.
Do not use for physical staring
Do not use '正视' to mean looking at someone physically. Use '注视' or '盯着看' instead.
Reflects a proactive problem-solving culture
In Chinese culture, '正视' is often praised as a virtue of a courageous and mature person who takes responsibility.
Examples
4 of 4我们必须正视现实，才能找到解决问题的办法。
We must face reality squarely to find a solution.
公司高层决定正视市场份额下滑的问题。
The company's top management decided to address the issue of declining market share.
你得正视自己的缺点，只有这样才能进步。
You have to face your own shortcomings; only then can you make progress.
该报告要求各国正视气候变化带来的全球影响。
The report calls on all countries to squarely face the global impact of climate change.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
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.
