This is a direct request for social deference, asking someone to comply with a request or overlook a fault in order to preserve the speaker's dignity and social standing. It is a powerful social tool in Chinese culture, where face (面子) is a form of social currency.
Face (面子) is a central concept in Chinese social interaction, representing one's reputation, dignity, and social standing. Granting or denying face can strengthen or damage relationships permanently.
This phrase is a polite but forceful way to invoke social obligation. It signals that the speaker is willing to call in a favor, and that refusing would be a public insult, not just a personal inconvenience.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards