Real-Life Chinese Phrase
给面子
to show respect; to give someone face
When to use it
Use 给面子 when someone supports, attends, agrees, or behaves in a way that protects another person’s dignity.
Tone and culture
Social and relationship-based. It is not just 'respect'; it often means helping someone look good in front of others.
Real examples
- 谢谢你今天来，太给我面子了。 Xièxie nǐ jīntiān lái, tài gěi wǒ miànzi le. Thanks for coming today. You really showed me support.
- 老板亲自来，很给面子。 Lǎobǎn qīnzì lái, hěn gěi miànzi. The boss came personally. That shows a lot of respect.
- 你这样说，让他很没面子。 Nǐ zhèyàng shuō, ràng tā hěn méi miànzi. Saying that makes him lose face.
- 给我个面子，别吵了。 Gěi wǒ ge miànzi, bié chǎo le. Do me a favor and stop arguing.
Pronunciation
Use the ChineseGoGo Context Dictionary audio button to hear this phrase and compare it with the examples.
Mini dialogue
朋友A你明天能来我的活动吗？Can you come to my event tomorrow?
朋友B当然，必须给你面子。Of course. I have to show up for you.
朋友A太感谢了。Thank you so much.
Common mistakes and close phrases
| 给面子 | give someone social respect/support |
|---|---|
| 有面子 | to have face; to look respectable or impressive |
| 没面子 | to lose face; to feel embarrassed socially |
Learn it in context
Start from the phrase, then study the scene, save useful expressions, and review them later.