愁容满面
愁容满面 in 30 Seconds
- A face visibly filled with deep sadness or worry.
- Used to describe someone burdened by significant troubles.
- Emphasizes the outward expression of inner distress.
- Common in literature and descriptions of hardship.
- Literal Meaning
- A face full of sorrow; a face covered in worry.
- Figurative Meaning
- Describes someone whose face clearly shows they are experiencing deep sadness, worry, or distress. It implies that their troubles are so significant that they are visibly etched onto their features.
- Usage Context
- This idiom is used to vividly portray a person's emotional state when they are visibly upset or burdened by problems. It's often used in descriptive writing or when observing someone who appears to be going through a difficult time. It's a common way to express empathy or to highlight a character's internal struggles.
The news of the company's bankruptcy left the employees 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
Seeing his child's illness made the father 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- When to Use
- Use this idiom when you want to describe someone who looks visibly distressed, worried, or deeply unhappy. It's suitable for both written and spoken contexts, especially when a strong visual description is needed.
- When Not to Use
- Avoid using this idiom for mild sadness or fleeting moments of worry. It implies a significant and noticeable level of distress. It's also generally not used in very formal, technical, or scientific writing unless describing a character's appearance.
- Subject + Verb + 愁容满面
- This is a common structure where the subject (person or group) is described as having a face full of sorrow. The verb used might be implied or explicitly stated as 'to be' or 'to appear'.
The villagers returned from the battlefield, their faces 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- Describing a Cause + 愁容满面
- You can connect the idiom to the reason for the sorrow, often using prepositions or conjunctions.
Due to the severe drought, the farmers looked 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- Adding Detail with Adverbs
- Adverbs can be used to intensify or modify the degree of sorrow expressed.
He was clearly 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) after failing the exam.
- In Dialogue
- Used in conversation to describe someone's appearance.
A: "Why does he look so sad?" B: "He's 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) because his business is losing money."
- As a Predicate Adjective
- It functions similarly to an adjective describing the state of the subject.
After the long and difficult journey, the refugees were 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- In Narrative Description
- Used to paint a picture for the reader.
The old man sat by the window, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn), lost in thought about his past regrets.
- Literature and Storytelling
- This idiom is frequently encountered in Chinese literature, particularly in novels, short stories, and historical accounts. Authors use it to add depth to character descriptions, conveying their emotional states and the gravity of their situations without lengthy exposition. It's a staple for painting a picture of characters facing hardship, loss, or significant challenges.
In a classic novel, a character might be described as returning from a disastrous battle, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- Film and Television
- Chinese dramas, movies, and even documentaries often employ this idiom in their scripts or voiceovers. It's a concise and evocative way for directors and screenwriters to communicate a character's emotional distress to the audience. You might hear it when a character is facing financial ruin, personal tragedy, or immense pressure.
A scene might show a protagonist receiving bad news, and the narrator describes their face as 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- News Reporting and Commentary
- While less common in dry, factual reporting, it can appear in more analytical or opinion-based news segments, particularly when discussing the impact of events on people. A journalist might use it to describe the collective mood of a community affected by a disaster or economic downturn.
A news report about job losses might mention that the laid-off workers appeared 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- Everyday Conversation (with nuance)
- In casual conversation, it might be used, but often with a slightly more literary or dramatic flair than a simple description of sadness. People might use it to describe a friend who is going through a very tough time, or to remark on the visible distress of someone they observe in public.
"I saw Mr. Wang yesterday, he was 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn). I asked what was wrong, and he said his son failed his college entrance exams."
- Formal Speeches and Writings
- In more formal settings, like political speeches or essays discussing social issues, this idiom can be used to evoke a sense of shared hardship or to describe the plight of a group of people experiencing difficulties.
A politician might refer to the nation's economic struggles, stating that many citizens were left 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- Using it for Mild Sadness or Fleeting Worry
- Mistake: Describing someone who is just a little bit sad or briefly worried as 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn). This idiom implies a significant, visible, and deep-seated sorrow or worry. Using it for minor emotions can sound exaggerated or even sarcastic.
- Correct Usage
- Use 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) when someone's face clearly shows deep distress, such as after a major loss, a severe disappointment, or prolonged hardship. For mild sadness, simpler words like 伤心 (shāngxīn - sad) or 难过 (nánguò - upset) are more appropriate.
Incorrect: He was 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) because he missed his bus.
Correct: He was 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) after his business went bankrupt.
- Confusing with Physical Appearance
- Mistake: Using 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) to describe someone who simply looks tired, old, or has an naturally stern or unimpressive face. The idiom specifically refers to an expression of sorrow or worry, not general facial features.
- Correct Usage
- Ensure that the facial expression being described is genuinely indicative of sadness or worry. If someone's face is simply weathered or has deep lines from age, you would describe that differently, perhaps using terms related to appearance rather than emotion.
Incorrect: The old farmer's face was 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) due to his wrinkles.
Correct: The old farmer looked 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) after losing his entire harvest.
- Overuse or Misapplication in Casual Contexts
- Mistake: Treating 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) as a generic descriptor for any negative emotion or facial expression. While it's a common idiom, its strength lies in its specific meaning. Overusing it can dilute its impact.
- Correct Usage
- Reserve 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) for situations where the sorrow or worry is profound and visibly evident on the person's face. For less intense emotions, consider simpler vocabulary or other idioms that might be more fitting.
- Grammatical Errors
- Mistake: Attempting to use it as a verb directly or placing it in grammatically incorrect sentence structures. While it describes a state, it functions more like a descriptive phrase or predicate adjective.
- Correct Usage
- Typically, it follows the subject, often with an implied 'to be' or 'to appear'. For example, '他愁容满面' (Tā chóu róng mǎn miàn - He is full of sorrow) or '他看起来愁容满面' (Tā kàn qǐlái chóu róng mǎn miàn - He looks full of sorrow). Avoid constructions like '他愁容满面着' (Tā chóu róng mǎn miàn zhe) as it's not standard usage.
- 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn)
- Similarity: Both idioms describe a face showing sadness or worry. They are very close in meaning and often interchangeable.
- Difference:
- 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn) literally means 'worried brows, bitter face,' focusing more on the specific features (brows and mouth) showing distress. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is more general, meaning the entire face is filled with sorrow. In practice, the distinction is subtle, and both are used to describe someone looking unhappy and troubled.
Example: After hearing the bad news, he was 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn).
- 忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng)
- Similarity: Both relate to worry and distress.
- Difference:
- 忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng) describes a state of being deeply worried or anxious, focusing on the internal feeling of unease. It doesn't necessarily mean the person's face is visibly showing sorrow, though it can lead to it. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is about the outward appearance of sorrow on the face. You can be 忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng) without looking 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn), and vice versa, though they often go hand in hand.
Example: He was 忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng) about his upcoming exam, but he tried to put on a brave face.
- 心事重重 (xīn shì chóng chóng)
- Similarity: Both imply a heavy emotional burden.
- Difference:
- 心事重重 (xīn shì chóng chóng) means having a lot of worries or troubles on one's mind. It describes a state of being preoccupied with problems. While this state can lead to a 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) appearance, the idiom itself focuses on the mental burden rather than the facial expression. Someone might be 心事重重 (xīn shì chóng chóng) but still manage to smile, or conversely, look 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) due to external circumstances rather than internal preoccupation.
Example: She seemed 心事重重 (xīn shì chóng chóng) after the argument, but she didn't cry.
- 悲伤 (bēi shāng) / 伤心 (shāng xīn)
- Similarity: These are basic words for 'sadness' or 'to be sad'.
- Difference:
- 悲伤 (bēi shāng) and 伤心 (shāng xīn) are general terms for sadness. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is a more descriptive idiom that specifies the sadness is visible on the face. You can be 悲伤 (bēi shāng) without necessarily looking 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn), and the idiom adds a visual dimension that the basic words lack.
Example: The news made her very 伤心 (shāng xīn), and her face was 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
- 苦瓜脸 (kǔ guā liǎn)
- Similarity: Both describe a face showing unhappiness.
- Difference:
- 苦瓜脸 (kǔ guā liǎn) literally means 'bitter melon face.' It's a more informal and often slightly humorous way to describe someone who looks unhappy, sulky, or displeased, often due to minor frustrations or when they don't get their way. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is more serious and describes a face filled with deep sorrow or significant worry. You wouldn't typically use 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) for someone who just looks grumpy.
Example: Stop making a 苦瓜脸 (kǔ guā liǎn) just because you didn't get dessert!
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 愁 (chóu) itself is composed of the radical 心 (xīn - heart) on top and the character 秋 (qiū - autumn) at the bottom. This etymology suggests that sadness or worry is a deep feeling within the heart, perhaps associated with the melancholy often felt during the autumn season, known for its shorter days and falling leaves.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrect tones: Mispronouncing the tones for 'chóu', 'róng', 'mǎn', or 'miàn' can change the meaning of the word or make it unintelligible.
- Aspiration: Failing to aspirate the initial 'ch' sound in 'chóu' and 'miàn' (making it sound like 'cou' or 'mian' without the puff of air).
- Rolled 'r': Not pronouncing the 'r' sound in 'róng' distinctly, or pronouncing it too strongly like an English 'r'.
- Nasal endings: Not properly articulating the nasal endings in 'róng' and 'miàn'.
Difficulty Rating
The idiom itself is relatively straightforward in meaning and common. However, understanding its nuanced usage and distinguishing it from similar phrases requires a good grasp of context and vocabulary. Recognizing it in written text is generally achievable for intermediate learners.
Using 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) correctly in writing requires careful consideration of the context to ensure it's appropriate and not an overstatement. Learners need to practice applying it to situations that genuinely warrant such a description.
When speaking, learners need to be able to recall and use the idiom appropriately in conversation. Its relatively common usage makes it accessible, but timing and context are key to sounding natural.
As a common idiom, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is frequently encountered in spoken Chinese, especially in narratives or descriptions of emotional states. Learners at the A2-B1 level should be able to recognize and understand its meaning when used.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using adverbs to modify expressions:
他一直愁容满面。(Tā yīzhí chóu róng mǎn miàn.) - He has been looking sorrowful all along. (一直 - yīzhí - continuously, always)
Using conjunctions to link cause and effect:
因为考试没考好,他愁容满面。(Yīnwèi kǎoshì méi kǎo hǎo, tā chóu róng mǎn miàn.) - Because he didn't do well on the exam, he looked sorrowful.
Using descriptive phrases as predicates:
他的脸色看起来愁容满面。(Tā de liǎnsè kàn qǐlái chóu róng mǎn miàn.) - His complexion looked sorrowful.
Using 地 (de) to connect an adverbial phrase to a verb:
他愁容满面地走进了房间。(Tā chóu róng mǎn miàn de zǒu jìn le fángjiān.) - He walked into the room with a sorrowful expression.
Using 连词 (lián cí - conjunctions) like '而且' (érqiě - moreover) or '但是' (dànshì - but) to connect clauses:
他看起来愁容满面,而且好像有什么心事。(Tā kàn qǐlái chóu róng mǎn miàn, érqiě hǎoxiàng yǒu shénme xīn shì.) - He looked sorrowful, and it seemed like he had something on his mind.
Examples by Level
他看起来很难过。
He looks very sad.
她的脸上没有笑容。
There are no smiles on her face.
他看起来很担心。
He looks very worried.
她的表情很严肃。
Her expression is very serious.
他看起来不开心。
He looks unhappy.
她的脸上写满了忧愁。
Her face is full of sorrow.
他看起来很疲惫。
He looks very tired.
她的眼睛里没有光彩。
There is no sparkle in her eyes.
听到这个坏消息,他愁容满面。
Upon hearing this bad news, his face was full of sorrow.
This sentence uses 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) to describe the visible reaction to bad news.
看着空空的钱包,她愁容满面。
Looking at the empty wallet, her face was full of sorrow.
This illustrates a common cause for a worried look.
考试失败后,他愁容满面地走回家。
After failing the exam, he walked home with a face full of sorrow.
This shows the idiom used in conjunction with an action.
由于失业,全家人都愁容满面。
Due to unemployment, the whole family was full of sorrow.
This shows the idiom applied to a group experiencing hardship.
他看起来愁容满面,好像有什么心事。
He looks full of sorrow, as if he has something on his mind.
This connects the facial expression to an internal state.
这个消息让所有人都愁容满面。
This news made everyone's face full of sorrow.
Demonstrates the idiom's use for collective emotional impact.
他总是愁容满面,很少见到他笑。
He is always full of sorrow, rarely seen smiling.
Describes a habitual state of looking sorrowful.
看到孩子们挨饿,她的心都碎了,脸上愁容满面。
Seeing the children starve, her heart broke, and her face was full of sorrow.
This example links deep empathy to the visible expression of sorrow.
公司破产的消息传开后,员工们个个愁容满面,不知何去何从。
After the news of the company's bankruptcy spread, the employees were all full of sorrow, not knowing where to go.
This sentence uses 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) to describe the collective reaction to a significant negative event.
他因为长期得不到病人的理解,常常愁容满面地出现在诊室里。
Because he has long been misunderstood by patients, he often appears in the consultation room with a face full of sorrow.
This illustrates the idiom used to describe the emotional toll of a profession.
看着孩子们在战乱中流离失所,她的脸上写满了愁容。
Watching the children displaced by war, her face was etched with sorrow.
This highlights the idiom's use for profound empathy and witnessing suffering.
虽然他努力保持镇定,但那份愁容满面的样子还是泄露了他的不安。
Although he tried to remain calm, that look of sorrow on his face still betrayed his unease.
This shows how the expression can reveal underlying emotions despite attempts to hide them.
老农望着干裂的土地,愁容满面,担心今年的收成。
The old farmer looked at the parched land, his face full of sorrow, worried about this year's harvest.
This connects the idiom to a specific environmental and economic concern.
她好几天没睡好觉了,脸上总是愁容满面,朋友们都劝她放松。
She hasn't slept well for days, her face is always full of sorrow, and her friends are all advising her to relax.
This shows the idiom used in a context of prolonged stress and concern from others.
听到父母的责备,他低着头,愁容满面,一言不发。
Upon hearing his parents' reprimand, he lowered his head, his face full of sorrow, and remained silent.
This illustrates the idiom in a situation of shame or regret.
那个曾经笑容灿烂的孩子,如今却愁容满面,让人心疼。
That child who once had a bright smile now has a face full of sorrow, which is heartbreaking.
This emphasizes a stark contrast and evokes sympathy.
面对着日益严峻的经济形势,政府官员们也难掩愁容满面,因为挑战前所未有。
Facing the increasingly severe economic situation, government officials could not hide their sorrowful expressions, as the challenges were unprecedented.
This shows the idiom used in a high-level context, describing the visible stress of decision-makers facing major crises.
他尽管在公众场合总是故作镇定,但私下里,他那愁容满面的样子足以说明他内心的煎熬。
Although he always pretended to be calm in public, in private, his sorrowful appearance was enough to show his inner torment.
This highlights the contrast between public presentation and private emotional reality.
老教授的学术研究屡屡受挫,多年来,他的脸上始终笼罩着一层愁容。
The old professor's academic research was repeatedly frustrated; for many years, his face was always shrouded in a layer of sorrow.
This implies a long-term impact of continuous professional difficulties on a person's appearance.
她看着病床上日渐消瘦的亲人,愁容满面,心中充满了无助和悲伤。
She looked at her increasingly thin relative on the hospital bed, her face full of sorrow, her heart filled with helplessness and sadness.
This connects the idiom to the profound emotional pain of witnessing a loved one's illness.
在那个信息闭塞的年代,人们对未来的不确定性感到普遍的愁容满面。
In that era of information blockade, people felt a general sorrow on their faces due to the uncertainty of the future.
This uses the idiom to describe a collective mood stemming from historical circumstances.
他试图用乐观的言辞掩盖内心的忧虑,但那愁容满面的表情却无法欺骗任何人。
He tried to cover his inner worries with optimistic words, but that sorrowful expression could not deceive anyone.
This emphasizes the power of facial expression to reveal truth despite verbal attempts to hide it.
随着债务的不断累积,他昔日的神采飞扬早已消失,取而代之的是一副愁容满面的模样。
As the debts continued to accumulate, his former vibrant spirit had long disappeared, replaced by a sorrowful appearance.
This contrasts a past positive state with a current sorrowful one, highlighting the impact of financial hardship.
艺术家在创作过程中,常常会经历一段愁容满面的时期,因为灵感枯竭带来的痛苦是难以言表的。
During the creative process, artists often go through a period of sorrowful expression, as the pain of creative block is hard to articulate.
This applies the idiom to the emotional struggles inherent in artistic creation.
在那个动荡不安的年代,普通民众的脸上普遍刻画着一种难以言说的愁容,那是对生活困顿和未来迷茫的真实写照。
In that turbulent era, the faces of ordinary people were generally etched with an unspeakable sorrow, a true reflection of life's hardships and future uncertainty.
This uses the idiom to describe a collective, pervasive emotional state within a society during a difficult historical period, adding layers of interpretation about life's hardships and future uncertainty.
他试图用风趣的言辞来掩饰内心的沮丧,然而,那副愁容满面的神态,却如同阴云笼罩,挥之不去,暴露了他真实的困境。
He attempted to mask his inner dejection with witty remarks, yet his sorrowful demeanor, like an enveloping cloud, refused to dissipate, exposing his true predicament.
This sentence contrasts verbal attempts to conceal emotions with the undeniable visual evidence of sorrow, using evocative imagery ('enveloping cloud').
作为一名长期在贫困地区工作的医生,他见惯了各种苦难,脸上那份挥之不去的愁容,既是对病患的同情,也是对自身无力改变现状的无奈。
As a doctor who has worked long-term in impoverished areas, he is accustomed to all sorts of suffering; the persistent sorrow on his face is both empathy for his patients and helplessness at his inability to change the current situation.
This sentence explores the complex emotions behind the sorrowful expression of a dedicated professional facing systemic issues.
那幅描绘丰收景象的画作,却不知为何,总让观者感受到一丝不易察觉的愁容,仿佛隐藏着艺术家对短暂幸福的忧虑。
That painting depicting a scene of abundant harvest, for some reason, always makes the viewer feel a trace of subtle sorrow, as if hiding the artist's concern about fleeting happiness.
This applies the idiom metaphorically within an artistic critique, suggesting an underlying emotional tone in a seemingly positive depiction.
他向来以豁达乐观著称,然而在经历了那场突如其来的变故后,他整个人仿佛被抽空了精气神,脸上只剩下挥之不去的愁容。
He has always been known for his open-mindedness and optimism; however, after experiencing that sudden turn of events, his entire being seemed drained of spirit, leaving only a persistent sorrow on his face.
This sentence emphasizes the profound impact of a sudden, severe event on a person's disposition, transforming their characteristic optimism into visible sorrow.
在时代的洪流中,许多个体被裹挟着前进,他们的脸上不乏愁容,那是对失去的故土、破碎的家庭以及前途未卜的复杂情感的凝聚。
In the torrent of the times, many individuals were swept along; their faces were not without sorrow, a complex emotion condensed from the loss of homeland, broken families, and an uncertain future.
This uses the idiom to represent a collective emotional response to societal upheaval, linking the facial expression to specific losses and anxieties.
尽管他口中说着一切都会好起来,但那双深邃的眼眸中流露出的愁容,却像无声的呐喊,诉说着他内心的挣扎与绝望。
Although he spoke of everything getting better, the sorrow in his deep eyes was like a silent scream, narrating his inner struggle and despair.
This sentence uses the idiom in conjunction with other imagery ('silent scream') to convey a powerful emotional paradox.
对于那些背井离乡的游子而言,故乡的月光或许能带来片刻的慰藉,但脸上那抹挥之不去的愁容,却是无法轻易抹去的乡愁与沧桑。
For those wanderers who left their homes, the moonlight of their hometown might bring a moment of solace, but the lingering sorrow on their faces is the homesickness and vicissitudes that cannot be easily erased.
This sentence poetically links the idiom to the profound emotions of homesickness and the weariness of life experienced by expatriates.
历史的巨轮碾过,无数生命被卷入时代的洪流,他们的脸上刻满了难以磨灭的愁容,那是对失落的家园、破碎的亲情以及前路渺茫的集体哀叹。
The great wheel of history rolled on, countless lives were swept into the torrent of the times, their faces were etched with indelible sorrow, a collective lament for lost homes, broken kinship, and a bleak future.
This sentence uses elevated language and broad historical context to describe a collective, deeply ingrained sorrow as a representation of societal suffering and loss.
他试图以一种超然的姿态来解读世事变迁,然而,那双饱经风霜的眼眸中偶尔闪现的愁容,却如同一道无法被理性所驯服的暗流,泄露了他内心深处对人性弱点的洞察与悲悯。
He attempted to interpret the changes in the world with a detached attitude; however, the sorrow that occasionally flickered in his weather-beaten eyes was like an undercurrent that reason could not tame, revealing his deep insight into and compassion for human frailty.
This sentence delves into the psychological depth of the sorrowful expression, linking it to profound insight, compassion, and an acknowledgment of human frailty.
在那个被剥夺了希望的年代,人们的脸上不再有往日的笑容,取而代之的是一种近乎麻木的愁容,那是对尊严被践踏、自由被剥夺的无声控诉。
In that era deprived of hope, people's faces no longer held the smiles of the past; instead, there was an almost numb sorrow, a silent accusation against the trampling of dignity and the deprivation of freedom.
This sentence uses the idiom to describe a state of profound despair and resignation in a context of oppression, where sorrow becomes a form of silent protest.
艺术家的画作中,那抹挥之不去的愁容,并非源于个人际遇的坎坷,而是他对时代之殇、文明之痛的深刻体察,将其转化为一种具有普遍感染力的视觉语言。
In the artist's painting, that lingering sorrow does not stem from personal misfortunes but from his profound perception of the era's grief and civilization's pain, transforming it into a visual language with universal appeal.
This sentence elevates the idiom by applying it to the artistic expression of profound societal and civilizational suffering, emphasizing universal themes.
纵使岁月在他脸上留下了深深的沟壑,但那并非简单的愁容,而是历经沧桑后沉淀下来的智慧与悲悯,是对生命无常的深刻理解。
Even though time had left deep furrows on his face, it was not simple sorrow, but wisdom and compassion settled after experiencing vicissitudes, a profound understanding of life's impermanence.
This sentence contrasts 'simple sorrow' with a more profound expression of wisdom and compassion that arises from life's experiences, reinterpreting the visible signs of hardship.
在那个被历史洪流裹挟的民族身上,你看到的不仅仅是愁容,那是一种历经磨难后,沉淀在灵魂深处的集体记忆与不屈的韧性。
In that nation swept up by the torrent of history, what you see is not just sorrow; it is collective memory and unyielding resilience settled deep within the soul after enduring trials and tribulations.
This sentence views the sorrowful expression not as a sign of defeat, but as a manifestation of collective historical memory and enduring resilience.
他试图以一种哲学的超脱来面对生活的苦难,但偶尔从他那双洞察世事的眼眸中流露出的愁容,却无声地诉说着他内心深处对存在之痛的体悟。
He attempted to face life's hardships with philosophical detachment, but the occasional sorrow that surfaced from his eyes, which had seen through the world, silently narrated his deep understanding of the pain of existence.
This sentence uses the idiom to represent a philosophical contemplation of suffering and the inherent pain of existence, conveyed through subtle facial expressions.
那幅画作中人物的愁容,并非仅仅是情节的烘托,更是艺术家对人类普遍境遇的深刻洞察,一种对生命脆弱性与易逝性的永恒哀叹。
The sorrow of the figures in that painting is not merely to enhance the plot; it is the artist's profound insight into the universal human condition, an eternal lament for the fragility and transience of life.
This sentence analyzes the symbolic meaning of the idiom in art, interpreting it as a profound commentary on the universal human experience of life's impermanence.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A face full of sorrow; a worried look.
听到公司破产的消息,所有员工都愁容满面。 (Tīng dào gōngsī pòchǎn de xiāoxi, suǒyǒu yuángōng dōu chóu róng mǎn miàn.) Upon hearing the news of the company's bankruptcy, all the employees looked sorrowful.
— A face full of sorrow; a worried expression covering the whole face.
他考试没考好,一脸愁容地回来了。 (Tā kǎoshì méi kǎo hǎo, yī liǎn chóu róng de huílái le.) He didn't do well on the exam and came back with a face full of sorrow.
— To have a worried or sorrowful expression that does not dissipate; to look perpetually troubled.
他最近似乎总愁容不展,朋友们都很担心。 (Tā zuìjìn sìhū zǒng chóu róng bù zhǎn, péngyǒumen dōu hěn dānxīn.) He seems perpetually troubled lately, and his friends are very worried.
— To have one's face written with sorrow; to be visibly full of sorrow.
他的脸上写满了愁容,一看就知道遇到了大事。 (Tā de liǎn shàng xiě mǎn le chóu róng, yī kàn jiù zhīdào yùdào le dàshì.) His face was written with sorrow; one look and you knew he had encountered something major.
— To try to hide or mask one's sorrowful expression.
她努力挤出笑容,但脸上的愁容还是无法掩饰。 (Tā nǔlì jǐ chū xiàoróng, dàn liǎn shàng de chóu róng háishì wúfǎ yǎnshì.) She tried hard to force a smile, but the sorrow on her face could not be hidden.
— A trace or hint of sorrow on someone's face.
即使在最快乐的时候,他眼中也总会有一丝愁容。 (Jíshǐ zài zuì kuàilè de shíhòu, tā yǎnzhōng yě zǒng huì yǒu yī sī chóu róng.) Even at the happiest times, there was always a trace of sorrow in his eyes.
— A lingering or persistent sorrowful expression that cannot be easily removed.
那场事故给他留下了挥之不去的愁容。 (Nà chǎng shìgù gěi tā liú xià le huī zhī bù qù de chóu róng.) That accident left him with a lingering sorrowful expression.
— A face completely filled with sorrow; a very sorrowful appearance.
他看起来满面愁容,像是遇到了什么大麻烦。 (Tā kàn qǐlái mǎn miàn chóu róng, xiàng shì yùdào le shénme dà máfan.) He looked completely sorrowful, as if he had encountered some big trouble.
— A sorrowful appearance that is ironically cute or amusing.
那只小猫愁容可掬的样子,让人忍不住想抱抱它。 (Nà zhī xiǎo māo chóu róng kě jū de yàngzi, ràng rén rěnbuzhù xiǎng bào bào tā.) The kitten's sorrowful yet cute appearance made people want to hug it.
— Sorrowful expression versus a smiling expression; a contrast between sadness and happiness.
在人生的起伏中,我们常常在愁容与笑容之间切换。 (Zài rénshēng de qǐfú zhōng, wǒmen chángcháng zài chóu róng yǔ xiàoróng zhī jiān qiēhuàn.) In the ups and downs of life, we often switch between a sorrowful expression and a smile.
Often Confused With
While both relate to worry, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) describes the visible facial expression of sorrow/worry, whereas 忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng) describes the internal feeling of deep anxiety and unease.
苦瓜脸 (kǔ guā liǎn) is a more informal and often humorous way to describe someone looking unhappy or sulky due to minor issues. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) implies a more serious and profound sorrow or worry.
憔悴 (qiáo cuì) means haggard or worn out, focusing on the physical appearance of being depleted, often due to illness or overwork. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) specifically refers to the expression of sadness or worry.
Idioms & Expressions
— A face full of sorrow; a worried look. It describes someone whose entire face visibly expresses deep sadness, worry, or distress due to significant problems.
听到儿子被诊断出重病的消息,这位母亲愁容满面,眼中充满了泪水。 (Tīng dào érzi bèi zhěnduàn chū zhòngbìng de xiāoxi, zhè wèi mǔqīn chóu róng mǎn miàn, yǎnzhōng chōngmǎn le lèishuǐ.) Upon hearing the news that her son was diagnosed with a serious illness, the mother's face was full of sorrow, her eyes filled with tears.
Neutral— Literally 'worried brows, bitter face.' This idiom describes a face showing distress, often focusing on the furrowed brows and downturned mouth. It's very similar to 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) and is frequently used interchangeably to depict someone looking unhappy and troubled.
他因为工作上的挫折而愁眉苦脸了好几天。 (Tā yīnwèi gōngzuò shàng de cuòzhé ér chóu méi kǔ liǎn le hǎo jǐ tiān.) He had a face full of sorrow for several days due to setbacks at work.
Neutral— Deeply worried or anxious; heavy-hearted. This idiom focuses on the internal feeling of unease and anxiety rather than the outward facial expression, though it often leads to one.
他对即将到来的考试感到忧心忡忡,夜不能寐。 (Tā duì jíjiāng dàolái de kǎoshì gǎndào yōu xīn chōng chōng, yè bù néng mèi.) He felt deeply worried about the upcoming exam and couldn't sleep at night.
Neutral— To have a mind burdened with many worries or troubles; preoccupied with problems. This idiom describes a state of mental preoccupation and emotional weight, which may or may not be visibly expressed on the face.
他看起来心事重重,似乎有什么重大的烦恼。 (Tā kàn qǐlái xīn shì chóng chóng, sìhū yǒu shénme zhòngdà de fánnǎo.) He looked preoccupied, as if he had some major troubles on his mind.
Neutral— Literally 'bitter melon face.' A colloquial and often humorous idiom for someone looking unhappy, sulky, or displeased, usually due to minor frustrations. It's less serious than 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
你能不能别老是一副苦瓜脸?有什么不开心就说出来。 (Nǐ néng bù néng bié lǎo shì yī fù kǔ guā liǎn? Yǒu shénme bù kāixīn jiù shuō chūlái.) Can you stop wearing a bitter melon face all the time? If you're unhappy, just say it.
Informal/Colloquial— Literally 'face has the color of vegetables.' Describes someone looking pale and unwell, often due to hunger or poor health. This is about physical appearance related to diet or health, not emotional distress.
他几天没好好吃饭了,脸色面有菜色。 (Tā jǐ tiān méi hǎohǎo chīfàn le, liǎnsè miàn yǒu cài sè.) He hasn't eaten properly for days and his complexion looks pale and unwell.
Informal/Colloquial— Gloomy and depressing atmosphere; a dark and sorrowful mood. This idiom describes an overall atmosphere or mood rather than a specific facial expression, though it implies a general sense of unhappiness.
整个城市笼罩在一片愁云惨淡之中。 (Zhěnggè chéngshì lǒngzhào zài yī piàn chóu yún cǎn dàn zhī zhōng.) The entire city was shrouded in a gloomy and depressing atmosphere.
Literary/Formal— To have a worried or sorrowful expression that does not dissipate; to look perpetually troubled and unable to relax.
他最近总是愁眉不展,似乎有心事。 (Tā zuìjìn zǒng shì chóu méi bù zhǎn, sìhū yǒu xīn shì.) He has been looking troubled lately, as if he has something on his mind.
Neutral— A lingering or persistent sorrowful expression that cannot be easily removed, often due to trauma or prolonged hardship.
那场灾难在他心中留下了挥之不去的愁容。 (Nà chǎng zāinàn zài tā xīnzhōng liú xià le huī zhī bù qù de chóu róng.) That disaster left him with a lingering sorrow in his heart.
Neutral— A face completely filled with sorrow; a very sorrowful appearance, often implying a significant problem.
他一回来就看到妻子满面愁容,知道家里出了事。 (Tā yī huílái jiù kàn dào qīzi mǎn miàn chóu róng, zhīdào jiālǐ chū le shì.) As soon as he returned, he saw his wife's face full of sorrow and knew something had happened at home.
NeutralEasily Confused
Both idioms describe a face showing sadness and worry.
愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) means the entire face is full of sorrow. 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn) literally translates to 'worried brows, bitter face,' focusing slightly more on specific features like the brows and mouth conveying distress. In most contexts, they are interchangeable, but 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is a bit more general.
听到坏消息,他愁容满面。(Tā heard the bad news and looked sorrowful.) vs. 他愁眉苦脸地坐着。(He sat with a face full of sorrow.)
Both relate to sadness.
悲伤 (bēi shāng) is a general term for sadness or grief, referring to the internal emotional state. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is an idiom that describes the *visible manifestation* of that sadness on a person's face. One can feel 悲伤 (bēi shāng) without necessarily looking 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn), and vice versa.
他的心里很悲伤。(He felt sad in his heart.) vs. 他的脸上愁容满面。(His face was full of sorrow.)
Both involve negative emotional states related to problems.
忧虑 (yōu lǜ) means to worry or be anxious, focusing on the mental state of concern about potential future problems. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) describes the outward appearance of sorrow or worry on the face. One can be 忧虑 (yōu lǜ) without looking 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn), though often they occur together.
我对未来感到忧虑。(I feel worried about the future.) vs. 他因为对未来的忧虑而愁容满面。(He looked sorrowful due to his worries about the future.)
Both describe negative emotional states.
沮丧 (jǔ sàng) means dejected, disheartened, or depressed, often as a result of failure or disappointment. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) specifically refers to the sad and worried *expression* on the face. While 沮丧 (jǔ sàng) can lead to a 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) appearance, the idiom focuses on the visual aspect.
他因为比赛失利而感到沮丧。(He felt dejected because he lost the competition.) vs. 比赛失利后,他愁容满面地离开了赛场。(After losing the competition, he left the venue with a sorrowful expression.)
Both can describe someone looking unwell or affected by hardship.
憔悴 (qiáo cuì) means haggard, gaunt, or worn out, often due to illness, lack of sleep, or prolonged hardship, focusing on the physical appearance of being depleted. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) specifically describes the facial expression of sorrow or worry. Someone can be 憔悴 (qiáo cuì) without looking 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn), and vice versa, though they can overlap.
她因为生病而显得憔悴。(She looked haggard because she was ill.) vs. 她因为担心家人的安危而愁容满面。(She looked sorrowful because she was worried about her family's safety.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 愁容满面。
他愁容满面。
Subject + 看起来 + 愁容满面。
他看起来愁容满面。
Subject + [Cause] + ,Subject + 愁容满面。
考试没考好,他愁容满面。
Subject + 愁容满面 + 地 + Verb。
他愁容满面地走着。
Subject + 愁容满面 + ,[Consequence/Explanation]。
他愁容满面,因为他担心。
Subject + [Description of situation] + ,Subject + 愁容满面。
听到坏消息,她愁容满面。
Subject + 愁容满面 + 的 + [Noun]。
一个愁容满面的人坐在那里。
Subject + [Description of internal state] + ,脸上却 + 愁容满面。
他试图保持微笑,但脸上却愁容满面。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
High
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Using 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) for minor unhappiness.
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Using simpler terms like 伤心 (shāngxīn - sad) or 难过 (nánguò - upset) for less severe emotions.
愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) implies deep, visible sorrow or worry. Using it for trivial matters can sound exaggerated or even sarcastic. For example, saying someone is 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) because they missed their bus is an overstatement.
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Confusing it with physical appearance unrelated to emotion.
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Ensuring the expression described is genuinely indicative of sorrow or worry.
The idiom specifically refers to an emotional expression. Describing someone who looks tired, old, or has naturally stern features as 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is incorrect. The focus must be on the visible signs of sadness or distress.
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Incorrect grammatical structure.
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Using it as a predicate adjective or with verbs like '看起来' (kàn qǐlái - to look).
While it describes a state, it doesn't function as a verb on its own. Avoid constructions like '他愁容满面着' (Tā chóu róng mǎn miàn zhe). Correct usage includes: '他愁容满面' (Tā chóu róng mǎn miàn) or '他看起来愁容满面' (Tā kàn qǐlái chóu róng mǎn miàn).
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Confusing it with similar but distinct idioms.
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Differentiating its meaning from 忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng - internal worry) or 苦瓜脸 (kǔ guā liǎn - informal, minor displeasure).
While related, each idiom has nuances. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is about the outward expression of deep sorrow. 忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng) is about the feeling of worry, and 苦瓜脸 (kǔ guā liǎn) is informal for looking unhappy about small things.
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Mispronouncing tones.
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Practicing the correct tones for each character: chóu (2nd tone), róng (2nd tone), mǎn (3rd tone), miàn (4th tone).
Incorrect tones can change the meaning or make the word unintelligible. For example, mispronouncing 'chóu' could lead to confusion with other words. Accurate tones are essential for clear communication.
Tips
Master the Tones
The four tones in 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) are crucial for correct pronunciation and meaning. Practice each character's tone individually and then put them together to ensure fluency.
Visual Association
Create a strong mental image associated with the idiom. Picture someone whose face is literally 'full' of 'sorrow' – perhaps imagining tears streaming down, or deep lines of worry etched onto their features.
Sentence Structure
Commonly, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) follows the subject, often with verbs like '看起来' (kàn qǐlái - to look) or used as a predicate adjective. For example: '他看起来愁容满面' (Tā kàn qǐlái chóu róng mǎn miàn).
Compare and Contrast
Learn similar idioms like 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn) and understand their subtle differences. This helps in choosing the most precise idiom for a given context.
Use in Sentences
The best way to learn is by using it. Write your own sentences describing characters or situations where this idiom would be appropriate. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
Cultural Nuance
Understand that in Chinese culture, visible signs of deep sorrow can evoke strong empathy. Using this idiom effectively shows an awareness of this cultural aspect.
Break Down the Characters
Understanding the individual characters 愁 (sorrow), 容 (appearance), 满 (full), and 面 (face) can help solidify the meaning and make the idiom easier to remember.
In Media
Pay attention to how 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is used in Chinese dramas, movies, and literature. Observing its context can provide valuable insights into its usage.
Avoid Overuse
While a powerful idiom, avoid overusing it. Like any strong descriptive term, its impact is greatest when used judiciously in appropriate situations.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a sad clown whose face is painted with a huge, exaggerated frown that covers his entire face, making him 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn). The 'chóu' sounds like 'show' – a sad show on his face. The 'róng' sounds like 'wrong' – something is wrong, hence the sad face. 'Mǎn miàn' means 'full face', so his whole face is the sad show.
Visual Association
Picture a person sitting alone in the rain, their shoulders slumped, and their face completely drenched, not just by the rain, but by tears. Their eyes are downcast, their mouth is turned down, and every feature conveys deep sadness – their face is truly 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three different scenarios where someone might look 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) without using the idiom itself, focusing on descriptive words for facial features and body language. Then, write one sentence using 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) to describe one of those scenarios.
Word Origin
The idiom 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is a descriptive phrase that evolved organically in the Chinese language. It combines characters that convey the concepts of sorrow and facial appearance. The character 愁 (chóu) has a long history, appearing in classical texts to denote worry and sadness. 容 (róng), meaning 'appearance' or 'countenance,' and 满 (mǎn), meaning 'full,' are combined to create a vivid image of a face completely dominated by sorrow.
Original meaning: A face filled with worry or sadness.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
The idiom describes a state of visible suffering. It should be used respectfully when referring to individuals experiencing genuine hardship. While it can be used descriptively, avoid using it in a way that trivializes someone's pain or appears mocking, especially in informal contexts where simpler terms might suffice.
In English-speaking cultures, similar expressions exist, such as 'a face full of sorrow,' 'a worried look,' 'looking crestfallen,' or 'visibly distressed.' The idiom 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) captures this visual aspect of emotional suffering effectively.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing someone's reaction to bad news or misfortune.
- 听到这个消息,他愁容满面。
- 她因为考试失败而愁容满面。
- 公司破产后,员工们都愁容满面。
Portraying characters in literature or film facing hardship.
- 在战乱中,人们愁容满面。
- 他经历了许多苦难,脸上总是愁容满面。
- 这个故事里的主角愁容满面地面对生活。
Describing the collective mood of a group or community experiencing difficulties.
- 由于歉收,农民们愁容满面。
- 经济危机让整个城市都愁容满面。
- 在那个困难的时期,全国人民愁容满面。
Showing a person's deep worry or anxiety about a situation.
- 他为孩子的病情愁容满面。
- 她为家庭的未来愁容满面。
- 看着干旱的土地,老农愁容满面。
Contrasting with a happy or cheerful state.
- 他平时总是笑容满面,但今天却愁容满面。
- 她努力掩饰自己的愁容,但还是被看出来了。
- 在人群中,只有他一个人愁容满面。
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever seen someone look so sad that their whole face seemed to reflect their sorrow? What might have caused it?"
"When you hear the phrase 'a face full of sorrow,' what kind of situations come to mind?"
"How do you think showing your worries on your face affects how others perceive you?"
"Can you think of a time when you or someone you know looked particularly worried or sad? What was happening?"
"In stories or movies, how do characters often show they are going through a tough time through their appearance?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt deeply sad or worried, and how it might have shown on your face. Use descriptive language to convey your emotions.
Imagine a character in a story who is facing a major challenge. Describe their appearance, focusing on their facial expression, as they grapple with their situation.
Reflect on the difference between feeling sad internally and showing sadness outwardly. When is it important to express your emotions, and when might it be better to keep them private?
Think about a time you saw someone looking very sad or worried. What did you do, or what could you have done to show empathy or offer support?
Consider the idiom 'a face full of sorrow.' How does this visual representation of emotion compare to other ways we express sadness, like through words or actions?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe literal meaning of 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is 'sorrow (愁 chóu) appearance (容 róng) full (满 mǎn) face (面 miàn)'. So, it translates to 'a face full of sorrow' or 'a face completely filled with worry'.
No, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is generally used for significant and visible sadness or worry. It implies a deep emotional burden that is clearly reflected on the person's face. For mild sadness, words like 伤心 (shāngxīn) or 难过 (nánguò) are more appropriate.
While deep worry can lead to looking tired, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) specifically refers to the expression of sorrow or worry, not just general fatigue. If someone looks tired but not necessarily sad or worried, other words like 疲惫 (píbèi - tired) would be more suitable.
愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's commonly used in literature, film, and descriptive writing. In very casual conversation, simpler terms might be preferred, but it's widely understood and accepted.
They are very similar and often interchangeable. 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) means the entire face is full of sorrow. 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn) literally means 'worried brows, bitter face,' focusing slightly more on specific facial features showing distress. Both describe someone looking unhappy and troubled.
While we often anthropomorphize animals, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is typically used for humans as it describes a complex human emotional expression. However, in very poetic or figurative contexts, one might creatively describe an animal's sad appearance using similar phrasing, but it's not standard usage.
It often functions as a predicate adjective, following the subject, sometimes with verbs like '是' (shì - to be) or '看起来' (kàn qǐlái - to look). For example: '他愁容满面' (Tā chóu róng mǎn miàn - He looks sorrowful) or '他看起来愁容满面' (Tā kàn qǐlái chóu róng mǎn miàn - He looks sorrowful).
Common situations include losing a job, failing an important exam, a loved one being seriously ill, experiencing financial ruin, or witnessing a tragedy.
Yes, 'a face full of sorrow,' 'a worried look,' 'looking crestfallen,' or 'visibly distressed' are close English equivalents that capture the visual aspect of deep sadness or worry.
Try writing sentences describing characters in difficult situations, or describe people you see (respectfully) who appear to be experiencing hardship. You can also try to paraphrase descriptions of sadness into this idiom.
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Summary
愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) is a vivid idiom describing a face that clearly shows deep sadness or worry, often due to significant problems. It's used to paint a picture of someone visibly distressed. For example, 'After losing his job, he looked 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn).'
- A face visibly filled with deep sadness or worry.
- Used to describe someone burdened by significant troubles.
- Emphasizes the outward expression of inner distress.
- Common in literature and descriptions of hardship.
Context is Key
Remember that 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) implies significant distress. Use it when the situation warrants a strong description of sorrow or worry, rather than for minor unhappiness.
Master the Tones
The four tones in 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) are crucial for correct pronunciation and meaning. Practice each character's tone individually and then put them together to ensure fluency.
Visual Association
Create a strong mental image associated with the idiom. Picture someone whose face is literally 'full' of 'sorrow' – perhaps imagining tears streaming down, or deep lines of worry etched onto their features.
Sentence Structure
Commonly, 愁容满面 (chóu róng mǎn miàn) follows the subject, often with verbs like '看起来' (kàn qǐlái - to look) or used as a predicate adjective. For example: '他看起来愁容满面' (Tā kàn qǐlái chóu róng mǎn miàn).
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