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A2 noun 9 min read

会面

huimian
Examples 会面 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 会面 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you usually learn the word '见面' (jiànmiàn) to mean 'to meet.' The word '会面' (huìmiàn) is a bit more advanced because it is more formal. Think of '会面' as a 'formal meeting.' At this stage, you don't need to use it often, but you might see it in simple stories about business or news. Remember: '会' means 'to meet' or 'gathering' and '面' means 'face.' So, you are meeting face-to-face. In A1, if you want to say 'I meet my friend,' use '见面.' If you see '会面' in a book, it probably means a planned, serious meeting between two people. It is usually used as a noun, like 'a meeting.' For example, 'The meeting is at 2 PM.' This word helps you understand that some meetings in Chinese are more 'official' than others.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to handle more specific situations, like office work or making appointments. '会面' (huìmiàn) is useful here because it describes a 'scheduled meeting.' You might use it when talking about a job interview or a meeting with a teacher. Unlike '见面' (which is a verb), '会面' is often used as a noun. You can say '安排一次会面' (arrange a meeting). This level requires you to distinguish between casual 'seeing' someone and a 'formal encounter.' If you are writing a professional email, using '会面' makes you sound much more polite and serious. You will often see it paired with '与' (yǔ), which is a formal way to say 'with.' For example: '与经理会面' (meeting with the manager).
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '会面' (huìmiàn) in business and semi-formal contexts. You'll notice that '会面' is frequently used in news reports and formal documents. It's important to understand the grammar: '会面' is an intransitive verb or a noun. You cannot say '会面某人' (meet someone). Instead, you must use the structure '与/和...会面.' At this level, you should also be able to describe the meeting using adjectives, such as '富有成效的会面' (a productive meeting) or '短暂的会面' (a brief meeting). You are moving beyond simple actions and starting to describe the *nature* and *quality* of interactions. This word is essential for anyone looking to work in a Chinese-speaking environment.
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At the B2 level, '会面' (huìmiàn) is a standard part of your professional vocabulary. You should understand its nuances compared to '会议' (conference) and '接见' (to receive/grant an audience). '会面' implies a specific, often private or small-group encounter. You will encounter this word in complex texts about diplomacy, history, and corporate strategy. For example, '两国元首的会面引起了全球关注' (The meeting between the two heads of state drew global attention). You should also be aware of its usage in literature to create a sense of gravity or destiny. At this stage, you are expected to use '会面' correctly in both speech and writing to maintain a consistent formal register when appropriate.
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At the C1 level, you recognize '会面' (huìmiàn) as more than just a synonym for 'meeting.' You understand its rhythmic and stylistic value in formal prose. You can use it to distinguish between the physical act of meeting and the conceptual 'encounter' of ideas or cultures. C1 learners should be able to use '会面' in sophisticated structures, such as '在...会面期间' (during the period of the meeting) or '促成两国的会面' (to facilitate a meeting between two countries). You also understand the cultural implications—how a '会面' is often preceded by '礼仪' (etiquette) and '议程' (agenda). Your ability to use this word correctly in high-stakes environments, such as legal or diplomatic negotiations, is a hallmark of your advanced proficiency.
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At the C2 level, '会面' (huìmiàn) is used with absolute precision within the broader tapestry of the Chinese lexicon. You can appreciate its use in historical analysis, where a single '会面' might be described as the catalyst for a revolution or a peace treaty. You are sensitive to the subtle shifts in tone when a writer chooses '会面' over '会晤' (huìwù - a more formal term for high-level summits) or '面唔' (miànwù - a literary term). You can use '会面' to discuss abstract concepts, like the 'meeting' of the past and the present in a piece of art. At this level, your command of the word includes its placement in complex, multi-clause sentences and your ability to use it to convey subtle shades of respect, distance, or importance.
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Examples

会面 in 30 Seconds

  • 会面 (huìmiàn) is a formal noun for a meeting or interview.
  • It is more serious and structured than the common word 见面 (jiànmiàn).
  • Commonly used in business, news, and diplomatic contexts.
  • Grammatically, it usually functions as a noun or an intransitive verb.

The term 会面 (huìmiàn) is a foundational yet sophisticated noun in the Chinese language, primarily used to describe a formal meeting, an interview, or a pre-arranged encounter between individuals. While beginners often learn 见面 (jiànmiàn) first, which is a verb-object construction meaning 'to meet,' 会面 functions more robustly as a noun or a formal verb, emphasizing the act of coming together for a specific purpose. The character 会 (huì) suggests a gathering or a collective assembly, while 面 (miàn) refers to the face or a surface. Together, they literally mean 'meeting faces,' implying a face-to-face interaction that is usually significant in nature.

Formal Context
In professional environments, this word is the standard for high-level discussions or diplomatic summits. It suggests a structured environment where specific topics are addressed.
Interviews
When a journalist meets a source or a candidate meets an employer, this term captures the gravity of the exchange better than casual alternatives.
Diplomacy
State leaders engage in '会面' to discuss international relations, signifying the weight and official status of the event.

两国领导人进行了长达三个小时的会面。(The leaders of the two countries held a meeting lasting three hours.)

Understanding the nuance of 会面 requires recognizing its weight. If you are meeting a friend for coffee, you would rarely use this word; it would sound overly stiff, as if you are holding an official press conference. However, if you are scheduling a meeting with a CEO or a government official, 会面 is the perfect choice to convey respect and the structured nature of the appointment. It is often paired with verbs like 进行 (jìnxíng - to carry out) or 安排 (ānpái - to arrange).

我们正在安排与专家的下一次会面。(We are currently arranging the next meeting with the expert.)

Historically, the evolution of this word reflects the Chinese emphasis on face-to-face communication (面谈) as the most effective way to resolve complex issues. In a digital age, even virtual meetings are sometimes referred to as '视频会面' (video meetings), though the physical presence implied by '面' remains the standard ideal. When using this word, you are signaling that the meeting has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and likely an agenda.

这次会面非常成功。(This meeting was very successful.)

Register
Medium to High formality. Used in news, business reports, and official correspondence.

我期待着与您的会面。(I look forward to our meeting.)

他们的会面地点选在了一家安静的茶馆。(The location for their meeting was chosen at a quiet teahouse.)

Using 会面 (huìmiàn) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its limited use as an intransitive verb. Unlike English where 'meeting' can be a verb or a noun easily, in Chinese, 会面 behaves predominantly as a noun that describes the event itself. To use it as an action, it is often preceded by verbs that indicate occurrence or arrangement.

As a Direct Object
Commonly follows verbs like '安排' (arrange), '取消' (cancel), or '推迟' (postpone). Example: '公司取消了这次会面' (The company cancelled this meeting).
With Adjectives
It is often modified by adjectives to describe the nature of the meeting. Example: '一次短暂的会面' (A brief meeting) or '一次秘密的会面' (A secret meeting).

这是他们多年来的第一次正式会面。(This is their first formal meeting in many years.)

When you want to say 'to meet with someone' using 会面, the structure is usually [A] 与/和 [B] 会面. This is a formal structure. In casual speech, you would use [A] 和 [B] 见面. The preposition '与' (yǔ) is more common in written or formal spoken Chinese when paired with 会面.

他希望能在下周与经理会面。(He hopes to meet with the manager next week.)

Another frequent pattern is using 会面 at the end of a sentence to define the purpose of a trip or an action. For instance, if someone travels to another city specifically for a meeting, they might say: '我这次出差是为了与客户进行会面' (This business trip is for a meeting with clients).

双方在会面中达成了共识。(The two sides reached a consensus during the meeting.)

Duration/Time
You can specify the length: '一个小时的会面' (A one-hour meeting). Or the time: '周一的会面' (Monday's meeting).

由于天气原因，我们的会面被推迟了。(Due to weather reasons, our meeting was postponed.)

这次会面的细节尚未公开。(The details of this meeting have not yet been made public.)

You are most likely to encounter 会面 (huìmiàn) in professional, journalistic, and literary settings. It is a staple of news broadcasts, particularly when reporting on international affairs or high-stakes corporate developments. When the CCTV news anchor speaks about a summit between two nations, 会面 is the word of choice to describe the event.

News Media
'今日，两国元首在首都进行了历史性的会面。' (Today, the heads of state of the two countries held a historic meeting in the capital.)
Business Reports
Used in annual reports or meeting minutes to describe formal discussions between stakeholders or board members.

记者们正等待着与导演的短暂会面。(Reporters are waiting for a brief meeting with the director.)

In the workplace, an assistant might use this word when managing a superior's schedule. It sounds more professional and organized than the colloquial 见个面 (jiàn ge miàn). If you receive an email from a Chinese company, they might say '期待与您会面' (Looking forward to meeting you) as a formal closing.

王经理，您下午三点有一个会面。(Manager Wang, you have a meeting at 3 PM.)

In literature, 会面 often carries a poetic or fateful weight. For example, '离别多年后的会面' (A meeting after many years of separation) adds a layer of solemnity that a simple 'seeing each other' lacks. It emphasizes the importance of the time and the physical presence of the individuals.

那是他们最后一次会面。(That was the last time they met.)

Academic/Professional
Found in biographies, describing pivotal moments when two historical figures met and changed the course of history.

在这次会面之后，计划得到了批准。(After this meeting, the plan was approved.)

他拒绝了所有记者的会面请求。(He refused all requests for meetings from reporters.)

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is treating 会面 (huìmiàn) as a direct translation of the English verb 'to meet.' In English, you can 'meet a friend,' 'meet a goal,' or 'meet at the station.' In Chinese, 会面 is much more specific and restricted in its grammatical usage.

Error 1: Using it for casual social encounters
Incorrect: '我想跟我的朋友会面。' (I want to 'hold a formal meeting' with my friend). Correct: '我想跟我的朋友见面。' (I want to see my friend).
Error 2: Using it with a direct object
Incorrect: '我会面他。' Correct: '我跟他会面。' Like '见面', this is a separable-style word or an intransitive structure when used as a verb.

错误：我们明天会面。(Too formal for friends)
正确：我们明天见面。

Another mistake is confusing 会面 with 会议 (huìyì). While both involve meetings, 会议 specifically refers to a conference or a formal assembly with multiple people and often a presentation or discussion of many topics. 会面 is more about the specific encounter between individuals or small groups.

错误：他在会议中会面了他的老板。(He 'met face-to-face' his boss in the conference - sounds redundant).
正确：他在会议期间见到了他的老板。

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 会面 is almost always face-to-face. Using it for a phone call is technically incorrect, although '视频会面' is acceptable in modern contexts. If you are just 'meeting' someone online via chat, use 联系 (liánxì - contact) or 交流 (jiāoliú - exchange) instead.

Error 3: Overusing it in daily life
Using '会面' in a text to a classmate will make you sound like a robot or a high-ranking official. Stick to '见面' or '聚聚' (jùju - get together).

错误：妈妈，我想跟你进行一次会面。
正确：妈，我想见你。

错误：我会面了那个问题。(I met that problem).
正确：我遇到了那个问题。

Choosing the right word for 'meeting' in Chinese depends entirely on the level of formality and the nature of the encounter. While 会面 (huìmiàn) is formal and noun-heavy, other words fill different niches in the language.

见面 (jiànmiàn) vs. 会面
'见面' is the most common, casual way to say 'to meet.' It is a verb. Example: '我们明天见面吧' (Let's meet tomorrow). '会面' is formal and usually a noun. Example: '这是一次重要的会面' (This is an important meeting).
会议 (huìyì) vs. 会面
'会议' is a conference, meeting, or session. It usually involves a group and a formal agenda. '会面' is specifically the act of two or more parties meeting face-to-face.
约会 (yuēhuì) vs. 会面
'约会' means an appointment or a romantic date. While a '会面' can be an appointment, '约会' suggests a social or romantic commitment.

比较：
1. 我跟他有个约会。(I have a date/appointment with him.)
2. 我跟他有个会面。(I have a formal meeting with him.)

For even more formal or specific contexts, consider 接见 (jiējiàn), which means 'to receive someone' or 'to grant an interview,' usually used when a person of higher status meets someone of lower status. Another alternative is 拜访 (bàifǎng), which means 'to pay a visit,' often used when you are going to someone else's office or home out of respect.

总统接见了获奖者。(The President received the award winners - '接见' is more specific than '会面').

In business, you might also hear 面谈 (miàntán), which literally means 'face-to-face talk.' This is very common in recruitment ('面试' is the specific word for a job interview, but '面谈' is the act of talking). 会面 remains the broadest formal term for the event itself.

聚会 (jùhuì)
A gathering or party. Unlike '会面', which can be just two people, '聚会' implies a social group having fun.

虽然这只是一次非正式的会面，但意义重大。(Although this was just an informal meeting, it was of great significance.)

他们约定在下个月再次会面。(They agreed to meet again next month.)

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Examples by Level

1

他们的会面在两点。

Their meeting is at two o'clock.

Here '会面' is used as a noun meaning 'meeting'.

2

这是一个短的会面。

This is a short meeting.

A1 learners use simple adjectives like '短' (short) to modify '会面'.

3

我会面我的老师。

I am meeting my teacher (formally).

Note: In A1, this sounds very formal. Usually, '见老师' is used.

4

会面地点在学校。

The meeting place is at the school.

'会面地点' is a common compound noun meaning 'meeting location'.

5

他想安排一次会面。

He wants to arrange a meeting.

'安排' (arrange) is the most common verb used with '会面'.

6

这次会面很重要。

This meeting is very important.

'很重要' (very important) emphasizes the formal nature of '会面'.

7

你会面谁？

Who are you meeting (formally)?

Using '会面' asks about a planned encounter.

8

昨天的会面很好。

Yesterday's meeting was good.

Simple past reference using '昨天'.

1

我正在等待与经理的会面。

I am waiting for the meeting with the manager.

Uses '与' (with) to link the participants.

2

由于感冒，他取消了这次会面。

Due to a cold, he cancelled this meeting.

'取消' (cancel) is a key A2 verb for scheduling.

3

我们需要确定会面的时间。

We need to confirm the meeting time.

'确定' (confirm/determine) is used in planning contexts.

4

这次会面是为了讨论新计划。

This meeting is to discuss the new plan.

'是为了' (is for) explains the purpose of the '会面'.

5

在会面之前，请准备好文件。

Before the meeting, please prepare the documents.

'在...之前' (before...) is a useful temporal structure.

6

他们安排在咖啡馆会面。

They arranged to meet in a cafe.

'安排在 [Place] 会面' shows the location of the event.

7

这是一次正式的商务会面。

This is a formal business meeting.

'商务会面' specifically refers to business-related encounters.

8

我会面了几个新客户。

I met with several new clients.

Using '会面' as a verb here implies multiple formal appointments.

1

双方在会面中交换了意见。

Both parties exchanged views during the meeting.

'在...中' (during/in) describes the process within the meeting.

2

这次成功的会面为合作打下了基础。

This successful meeting laid the foundation for cooperation.

'打下基础' is a B1 level idiom for 'laying the foundation'.

3

他拒绝了与记者的私人会面。

He refused a private meeting with the reporter.

'私人会面' (private meeting) implies a one-on-one setting.

4

会面的具体细节仍处于保密状态。

The specific details of the meeting remain confidential.

'处于...状态' (to be in a state of) is a more advanced structure.

5

我期待在不久的将来与您会面。

I look forward to meeting you in the near future.

A standard formal closing in business correspondence.

6

这次会面推迟到了下周五。

This meeting has been postponed until next Friday.

'推迟到' (postpone until) is essential for schedule changes.

7

他们通过这次会面化解了误会。

They resolved the misunderstanding through this meeting.

'化解' (resolve/dissolve) is a high-level verb for conflict.

8

会面持续了将近两个小时。

The meeting lasted for nearly two hours.

'持续' (last/continue) is used for duration.

1

两国领导人的会面具有里程碑意义。

The meeting between the leaders of the two countries has milestone significance.

'具有...意义' is a standard B2/C1 academic structure.

2

这次会面旨在加强区域经济联系。

This meeting is aimed at strengthening regional economic ties.

'旨在' (aimed at) is a formal verb for purpose.

3

他们在会面中就共同关心的议题进行了讨论。

They discussed issues of common concern during the meeting.

'就...进行了讨论' is the formal way to say 'discussed about...'

4

尽管时间紧迫，会面还是取得了进展。

Despite the tight schedule, the meeting still made progress.

'尽管...还是' (despite... still) shows contrast.

5

会面结束后，官方发表了联合声明。

After the meeting ended, an official joint statement was released.

'发表声明' is a key phrase in news and politics.

6

这次非正式会面为解决冲突提供了契机。

This informal meeting provided an opportunity to resolve the conflict.

'契机' (turning point/opportunity) is a B2 level noun.

7

他详细记录了那次历史性会面的每一个细节。

He recorded every detail of that historic meeting in detail.

'历史性' (historic) adds gravity to the noun '会面'.

8

会面的气氛起初非常紧张，后来逐渐缓和。

The atmosphere of the meeting was very tense at first, but gradually eased later.

'氛围/气氛' (atmosphere) is often used to describe meetings.

1

此次会面被视为外交史上的重大突破。

This meeting is regarded as a major breakthrough in diplomatic history.

'被视为' (be regarded as) is a common passive structure in formal writing.

2

会面期间，双方重申了维护地区稳定的承诺。

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regional stability.

'重申' (reaffirm) and '承诺' (commitment) are advanced diplomatic terms.

3

任何关于此次秘密会面的猜测都是毫无根据的。

Any speculation regarding this secret meeting is groundless.

'毫无根据' (groundless/baseless) is a strong C1 idiom.

4

这次会面不仅是礼节性的，更是务实性的。

This meeting is not just ceremonial, but also pragmatic.

'不仅...更是' (not only... but also) emphasizes the latter point.

5

会面的圆满成功体现了双方强烈的合作意愿。

The complete success of the meeting reflects the strong willingness of both sides to cooperate.

'体现' (reflect/embody) and '意愿' (willingness) are sophisticated C1 words.

6

在这次长时间的会面中，他们彻底剖析了问题的根源。

In this long meeting, they thoroughly analyzed the root causes of the problem.

'剖析' (analyze deeply) and '根源' (root cause) are academic terms.

7

双方通过会面达成了广泛的共识。

The two sides reached a broad consensus through the meeting.

'达成共识' (reach a consensus) is a high-level collocation.

8

这次会面为两家公司的合并扫清了最后的障碍。

This meeting cleared the final obstacles for the merger of the two companies.

'扫清障碍' (clear obstacles) is a vivid C1 metaphor.

1

此次会面的象征意义远大于其实际达成的协议内容。

The symbolic significance of this meeting far outweighs the content of the agreements actually reached.

'远大于' (far greater than) is used for strong comparisons.

2

他在回忆录中对那次改变命运的会面进行了细腻的描写。

In his memoirs, he gave a delicate description of that fate-changing meeting.

'细腻' (delicate/fine) and '描写' (description) are literary terms.

3

会面的博弈过程充满了智慧与策略的较量。

The gaming process of the meeting was full of the contest of wisdom and strategy.

'博弈' (gaming/contest) and '较量' (contest/trial of strength) are advanced C2 concepts.

4

此次会面标志着两国外交关系进入了一个崭新的阶段。

This meeting marks the entry of diplomatic relations between the two countries into a brand new stage.

'标志着' (marks/signifies) is used for historical turning points.

5

在多方斡旋下，双方终于同意进行这次高级别会面。

Under multi-party mediation, the two sides finally agreed to hold this high-level meeting.

'斡旋' (mediation) is a very high-level diplomatic term.

6

这次会面所释放出的积极信号极大地鼓舞了市场信心。

The positive signals released by this meeting greatly encouraged market confidence.

'释放信号' (release signals) and '鼓舞信心' (boost confidence) are C2 collocations.

7

会面中双方言辞虽然委婉，但立场却异常坚定。

Although the words of both sides were euphemistic during the meeting, their positions were unusually firm.

'委婉' (euphemistic/tactful) and '坚定' (firm) contrast speech and intent.

8

此次会面的成败将直接影响到未来十年的地区安全格局。

The success or failure of this meeting will directly affect the regional security landscape for the next decade.

'格局' (landscape/pattern) is a C2 term for broad structures.

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