B2 noun Formal 1 min read

面容

mianrong /miɛn˧˥ ʐʊŋ˧˥/
Practice it

Mianrong refers to the overall look and expression of a face, typically used in formal or descriptive writing.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to a person's facial appearance and expression.
  • Commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
  • Often combined with adjectives to describe emotional states.

常见语境：在文学作品中，作者常通过描写人物的“面容”来暗示其性格或命运；在正式场合，如悼词或人物专访中，用“面容”来描述对方能体现出一种尊重和严谨的态度。

  1. 1同义词辨析：与“脸庞”相比，“面容”更强调神态与整体气质；与“相貌”相比，“面容”更偏向于当下的状态，而不是天生的遗传特征。例如，我们可以说“他相貌平平”，但若说“他面容憔悴”，则是在描述当前的状态。

Examples

1

看到母亲慈祥的面容，我感到很安心。

everyday

Seeing my mother's kind face, I feel very relieved.

2

被告人面容平静，对指控供认不讳。

formal

The defendant's face was calm, and he confessed to the charges.

3

岁月的痕迹无情地爬上了他的面容。

informal

The traces of time ruthlessly climbed onto his face.

4

通过分析其面容特征，研究人员识别了不同情绪。

academic

By analyzing facial features, researchers identified different emotions.

Common Collocations

面容憔悴 haggard appearance
面容清秀 delicate features
面容和蔼 kind-looking

Common Phrases

面容失色

pale with fear

改变面容

change one's appearance

憔悴的面容

a haggard look

Often Confused With

面容 vs 脸面

Refers to 'face' in the sense of dignity or social reputation. It is not used for physical appearance.

面容 vs 相貌

Focuses on the fixed physical appearance or inherited features. It is less about current expression.

Grammar Patterns

形容词 + 面容 面容 + 动词/形容词

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Mianrong is a formal noun that is primarily used in written Chinese or solemn speech. It is inappropriate for casual, everyday conversation where '脸' (liǎn) is preferred. Always pair it with descriptive adjectives to emphasize the state of the person's face.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '面容' to describe inanimate objects, which is incorrect. It is also a mistake to use it as a verb, as it is strictly a noun. Do not use it when simply referring to the anatomical part of the face in a medical context.

Tips

💡

Use with emotional adjectives

Pair '面容' with words describing feelings like 'tired' or 'joyful' to create vivid imagery. This makes your writing more expressive.

⚠️

Avoid in casual daily talk

Using '面容' when buying groceries or talking to friends may sound overly dramatic or stiff. Stick to '脸' for casual settings.

🌍

Focus on facial expressions

In Chinese culture, observing someone's '面容' is often linked to 'reading' their inner character or current struggle.

Word Origin

The word combines '面' (face) and '容' (appearance/mien). Historically, it has been used in classical literature to describe the dignity and state of a person's countenance.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, the face is considered the 'mirror of the heart'. Describing someone's '面容' is a way to express observation and empathy.

Memory Tip

Think of '面' (face) and '容' (capacity/appearance). It is the 'appearance' that the face 'contains' or shows to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“脸”是口语词，指代身体部位，使用范围广；“面容”是书面语，更强调脸部的神态和整体美感，语体色彩更庄重。

不可以，“面容”仅限于形容人的脸部。如果形容物体表面，应该使用“表面”或“外观”。

在日常随意对话中较少使用，通常用“长相”或“脸”代替。但在正式谈话或严肃叙述时使用会显得更有修养。

可以根据其神情使用形容词，例如：慈祥、严肃、疲惫、精致、沧桑等。

Test Yourself

fill blank

经过长途跋涉，他的___显得十分疲惫。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 面容

“面容”在此处最能体现书面语中对人物状态的细腻描写。

multiple choice

“她那慈祥的面容令人难忘。”中的“面容”可以替换为？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 脸庞

“脸庞”与“面容”在书面语中经常互换使用，指代人的面部轮廓。

sentence building

面容 / 岁月 / 留下了 / 痕迹 / 他的 / 在

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 岁月在他的面容留下了痕迹

正确的语序应为：时间（岁月）+ 在 + 地点（面容）+ 动作（留下了）+ 宾语（痕迹）。

Score: /3

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