Meanings of 丢脸
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 丢脸
Podcast: 丢脸
Podcast: 丢脸
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 丢脸
丢脸 (diū liǎn) vs 尴尬 (gān gà) — choose 丢脸 when emphasizing loss of face or reputation, while 尴尬 focuses more on the feeling of awkwardness.
丢脸 is often used in informal contexts and can express both personal and vicarious embarrassment. A common mistake is to confuse it with other expressions of shame, so be aware of its specific connotation relating to public perception.
While not an HSK word, understanding 丢脸 helps learners grasp the significance of face (脸, liǎn) in Chinese society. Students should also study related terms like 面子 (miànzi, face/reputation) to deepen their understanding.
Learners often mistakenly use 丢脸 in situations of personal failure unrelated to social perception. For example, saying '我考试丢脸' (Wǒ kǎoshì diūliǎn) is incorrect; instead, use '我考试考得不好' (Wǒ kǎoshì kǎo de bù hǎo) to express poor exam performance.
Pronunciation of 丢脸
Drill the tone of 丢脸 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say to lose face in Chinese
“to lose face” in Chinese is丢脸
丢脸 (diū liǎn) means 'to lose face' or to experience humiliation. It is commonly used in contexts where someone feels embarrassed or ashamed due to a particular incident, and it reflects the importance of social reputation in Chinese culture.
When to use 丢脸
丢脸 is often used in informal contexts and can express both personal and vicarious embarrassment. A common mistake is to confuse it with other expressions of shame, so be aware of its specific connotation relating to public perception.
丢脸 or something close to it
丢脸 (diū liǎn) vs 尴尬 (gān gà) — choose 丢脸 when emphasizing loss of face or reputation, while 尴尬 focuses more on the feeling of awkwardness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 丢脸 in situations of personal failure unrelated to social perception. For example, saying '我考试丢脸' (Wǒ kǎoshì diūliǎn) is incorrect; instead, use '我考试考得不好' (Wǒ kǎoshì kǎo de bù hǎo) to express poor exam performance.
Write 丢脸
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 丢脸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 丢脸
In Western cultures, embarrassment often pertains to personal feelings, while in Chinese culture, it can also greatly affect social relationships and community standing.
Frequently Asked Questions about 丢脸
You can say '我在聚会上丢脸了' (Wǒ zài jùhuì shàng diūliǎn le) meaning 'I lost face at the party.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 丢脸?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.