Character
Easy
当面是人，背后是鬼
dāng miàn shì rén, bèi hòu shì guǐ
Natural meaning
A saint in public, a devil in private.
Literal translation
In front of the face, is a person; behind the back, is a ghost.
What it means
This is a harsh criticism of hypocrites who act kindly and honestly when others are watching, but behave maliciously or deceitfully when they think no one sees. It warns against trusting appearances.
Cultural context
Chinese culture places high value on sincerity and integrity. Hypocrisy is seen as one of the worst character flaws, as it undermines the very fabric of social trust.
When Chinese people say this
Someone might say this about a coworker who is overly friendly in the office but spreads rumors and sabotages others in secret.
Why Chinese people say this
This saying serves as a moral warning and a social detector. It signals that true character is revealed in private actions, and that people should be wary of those whose public persona does not match their private behavior.
💬 Real-life example
A:Did you hear Li compliment my work in the meeting? He was so supportive.
B:Really? I just saw him in the break room telling others that your project was poorly planned.
C:That's him all over. 当面是人，背后是鬼。
Tone
🟢 Critical · Warning
⚠️ Don't take it literally
It does not mean the person literally transforms into a ghost behind their back.
📖 Story example
Xiao Zhang always praised his teammates during group discussions, but after hours, he would secretly email the manager with criticisms. When his duplicity was uncovered, a colleague shook her head and said, "他真是当面是人，背后是鬼。"
❓ Frequently asked questions
What does 当面是人，背后是鬼 mean in English?
It translates to 'A saint in public, a devil in private,' describing hypocritical behavior where someone acts kindly in front of others but maliciously in secret.
When do Chinese people say this?
Traditionally, it's used when observing someone who is two-faced, often in personal or professional settings to highlight dishonesty.
Is this saying still used today?
Yes, it remains common in modern conversations to criticize hypocrisy, reflecting ongoing concerns about trust and integrity.
What is the English equivalent of this saying?
Similar to 'two-faced' or 'wolf in sheep's clothing,' but it vividly contrasts public and private actions.
💕 Related Chinese sayings