Korean Conversation · Level 250
15 words
Korean word
체면
Pronunciation
Romanizationchemyeon
Meaning
- nounface
Example
그는 체면을 지키려고 거짓말을 했다.keu neun che myeo neul chi ki ryeo go keo jin ma reul haet tta
He lied to save face.
More examples
그는 술에 취해 친구 앞에서 체면을 잃었다.keu neun su re chwi hae chin gu a pe seo che myeo neul i reot tta
He got drunk and lost face in front of his friend.
Core concept
The public image and social standing a person tries to protect in front of others.
Common phrases
체면을 세우다che myeo neul se u da
save face
체면을 지키다che myeo neul chi ki da
preserve one's dignity
체면을 잃다che myeo neul il ta
lose face
체면이 서다che myeo ni seo da
save face
Similar words
자존심chajonsim: A strong sense of personal worth that a person does not want to surrender.
면목myeonmok: A person's respectable standing in the eyes of other people.
Definition in Korean
남에게 어떻게 보이는지에 대한 걱정과 그로 인해 지위를 지키려는 행동이나 상태na me ge eo tteo ke po i neun ji e tae han keok jjeong gwa keu ro in hae chi wi reul chi ki ryeo neun haeng dong i na sang tae
Word origin
The word comes from a Sino-Korean compound meaning body or form plus face, linking outward appearance with social standing.
Usage tips
- English face can refer to a body part or a public reputation, while this word specifically highlights the social image that a person works to preserve.
Other meanings
- dignitynoun
- prestigenoun
Opposites
- 수치suchishamenoun
- 굴욕kuryokhumiliationnoun
Related words
- 체면치레chemyeonchirekeeping up appearancesnoun
- 체면상실chemyeonsangsilloss of facenoun