Chinese word

面临

Pronunciation

Pinyinmiàn lín

Meaning

  • verbface

Example

我们不得不面临现实。wǒ men bù dé bú miàn lín xiàn shí

We have no choice but to face reality.

Illustration for 面临 (face)

More examples

公司面临巨大的困难。gōng sī miàn lín jù dà de kùn nán

The company is facing great difficulties.

Core concept

A difficult situation comes directly into view and calls for recognition and action.

Common phrases

  • 面临困难miàn lín kùn nán

    face difficulties

  • 面临问题miàn lín wèn tí

    face problems

  • 面临挑战miàn lín tiǎo zhàn

    face challenges

Similar words

面对miàn duì: To face a problem or situation directly with the aim of dealing with it.
遇到yù dào: To come across an event, problem, or difficulty, often unexpectedly.
应对yìng duì: To respond to a problem or situation by taking suitable action.

Definition in Chinese

处在某种需要面对的境地或问题之中，需要正视并处理。chǔ zài móu zhǒng xū yào miàn duì de jìng dì huò wèn tí zhī zhōng xū yào zhèng shì bìng chú lǐ

Word origin

面临 (miànlín, "be confronted by") combines 面 (miàn, "face") with 临 (lín, "approach"), creating the image of a situation arriving face-to-face.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, this verb has a formal tone and commonly appears in serious discussions of challenges, risks, or pressure rather than casual talk about ordinary events.

Opposites

Word lists with this word