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面对 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
面对miànduìto confrontHSK 4, v, 14 strokes, rank #1040, Medium
面对miànduìto faceHSK 4, v, 14 strokes, rank #1040, Medium
miànduì(mian4dui4)mian dui T4
  1. 1to confront
  2. 2to face
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March 24, 2026

面对(面對)miànduì(mian4dui4)

面对 (miàn duì) means 'to confront' or 'to face' something, often implying a direct engagement with a challenge or situation. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts, such as facing difficulties or addressing issues head-on.

Strokes14Frequency#1040DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, facing challenges is often seen as a virtue, reflecting resilience and strength. The phrase '面对困难' (miàn duì kùn nán) is commonly used to encourage perseverance in the face of adversity.

Memory tip

Imagine standing in front of a large mirror, facing your own reflection. The characters 面 (miàn) resembles a face, and 对 (duì) can be remembered as 'to face' someone directly, like looking into the mirror. This imagery helps connect the pronunciation and meaning.

Meanings of 面对

miànduì(mian4dui4)
1to confront
2to face
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 面对

面对Simplified
面對Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1040Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 面对

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Podcast: 面对

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AI study notes for 面对

Quick Contrast

面对 (miànduì) vs 对抗 (duìkàng) — use 面对 for direct engagement with a situation, while 对抗 implies opposition or resistance.

Usage Notes

This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to use it appropriately depending on the situation. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar verbs like '接受' (jiē shòu, to accept), which does not convey the same active confrontation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 面对 connects with other verbs that express action or response to situations. Focus on using it in sentences that involve challenges or confrontations, as this will reinforce its meaning and usage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 面对 with 忍受 (rěn shòu, to endure), using it incorrectly in contexts where they should express acceptance of a situation. Instead of saying '我忍受困难' (I endure difficulties), use '我面对困难' (I face difficulties).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 面对

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Component characters

面miànface
HSK 29 strokes面
View full entry
对duìright
HSK 15 strokes寸
View full entry

How to say to confront in Chinese

“to confront” in Chinese is面对miànduì

面对 (miàn duì) means 'to confront' or 'to face' something, often implying a direct engagement with a challenge or situation. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts, such as facing difficulties or addressing issues head-on.

When to use 面对

This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to use it appropriately depending on the situation. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar verbs like '接受' (jiē shòu, to accept), which does not convey the same active confrontation.

面对 or something close to it

面对 (miànduì) vs 对抗 (duìkàng) — use 面对 for direct engagement with a situation, while 对抗 implies opposition or resistance.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 面对 with 忍受 (rěn shòu, to endure), using it incorrectly in contexts where they should express acceptance of a situation. Instead of saying '我忍受困难' (I endure difficulties), use '我面对困难' (I face difficulties).

Write 面对

面
对

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Grammar patterns of 面对

面对 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

学中文一方面很有趣,另一方____找工作也有帮助。

Learning Chinese is on one hand very interesting, and on the other hand helpful for finding a job.

Example sentences for 面对 (10)

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1
面对遭征服的悲惨命运,他们保持了乐观的态度。

miànduì zāo zhēngfú de bēicǎn mìngyùn, tāmen bǎochí le lèguān de tàidù。

They have maintained their optimism in the face of desolating subjugation.
2
他最初面对媒体时情绪有点忧郁。

tā zuìchū miànduì méitǐ shí qíngxù yǒu diǎn yōuyù。

He faced the press, initially, in a somewhat subdued mood.
3
面对人行道有一些漂亮的维多利亚时代的房子。

miànduì rénxíngdào yǒuyīxiē piàoliang de wéi duō lì yà shídài de fángzi。

There are some delightful Victorian houses fronting onto the pavement.
4
英国公司如果想要保持竞争力就不得不面对严峻的选择。

Yīng guó gōngsī rúguǒ xiǎngyào bǎochí jìngzhēng lì jiù bùdébù miànduì yánjùn de xuǎnzé。

UK companies face a stark choice if they want to stay competitive.
5
即便是聪明人在面对难题时也未必就能表现得特别聪明。

jíbiàn shì cōngmíng rén zài miànduì nántí shí yě wèibì jiù néng biǎoxiàn de tèbié cōngmíng。

Even clever people are not terribly clever when put on the spot.
6
她决定拿自己了解的事实与凯瑟琳当面对证。

tā juédìng ná zìjǐ liǎojiě de shìshí yǔ kǎi sè lín dāngmiàn duì zhèng。

She had decided to confront Kathryn with what she had learnt.
7
克里斯蒂面对记者,显得镇定自若。

kè lǐ Sī dì miànduì jìzhě, xiǎnde zhèndìng zì ruò。

Christie looked relaxed and calm as he faced the press.
8
面对要求其隐退的压力越来越大,她会屈服吗?

miànduì yāoqiú qí yǐn tuì de yālì yuèláiyuè dà, tā huì qūfú ma?

Will she yield to growing pressure for her to retire?
9
雨果以巨大的勇气和良好的精神状态面对疾病。

yǔ guǒ yǐ jùdà de yǒngqì hé liánghǎo de jīngshen zhuàngtài miànduì jíbìng。

Hugo bore his illness with great courage and good humour.
10
马库斯面对她的发作保持平静。

mǎ kù Sī miànduì tā de fāzuò bǎochí píngjìng。

Marcus remained placid in the face of her outburst.

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Frequently asked questions about 面对

Yes, you can use it positively when discussing overcoming challenges or facing opportunities.

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