What does it mean to lose face in China?

What is ‘losing face’? ‘Losing face’ in China is said to be caused by embarrassment, disagreement, or criticism. ‘Losing face’ is equal to losing the respect of others, and avoiding this situation (‘saving face’) is very important in Chinese culture.

What does saving face mean in China?

Chinese 保面子／bǎo miànzi／guard/save face; when successful, it’s called “保住面子／bǎozhu miànzi / saved/guarded face”]. OED defines Save 8 “To keep, protect or guard (a thing) from damage, loss, or destruction”, and elaborates, 8f. to save one’s face: to avoid being disgraced or humiliated.

What does losing face mean in Japan?

Thus, even someone who is higher than you in the hierarchy is someone who is ok to disagree with. However, Japan along with other Asian cultures has the concept of “face” (mentsu). To disagree with someone in public, thus causing them embarrassment, is to make them “lose face” (mentsu wo ushinau).

Why is it called losing face?

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Lose face – Save face’? ‘Lose face’ began life in English as a translation of the Chinese phrase ‘tiu lien’. That phrase may also be expressed in English as ‘to suffer public disgrace’, that is, to be unable to show one’s face in public. ‘Save face’ comes later.

Why is face so important in China?

The Chinese concept of “face” (aka 面子 or miànzi) refers to a cultural understanding of respect, honor and social standing. Because “saving face” is such a strong motivating force in China, it’s also one of the most important concepts in understanding the Chinese Mind.

What is guanxi and why is it important?

Guanxi, as a central idea in Chinese society, describes the basic dynamic of personalized influence on social networks. It has a major influence on the management of businesses based in China (Zhuang, Xi, and Tsang, 2010).

Why is honor so important in China?

“You don’t call. Respect for parents and clan elders has been a cornerstone of Chinese culture for thousands of years, part of a defining social contract in which parents cared for their children while they were young and children supported their parents in their dotage. …

What is losing face in Thailand?

Thais believe strongly in the concept of saving face, ie avoiding confrontation and endeavouring not to embarrass themselves or other people (except when it’s sà·nùk to do so). Losing your temper causes a loss of face for everyone, and Thais who have been crossed may react in extreme ways. …

Why is harmony important in China?

Harmony helps people to deal with changes, as it is a concept that ties people and nations together. Harmony is an important part of the Chinese culture. When living in harmony, people can share various kinds of interests and accept different opinions without showing disagreements.

When you cause someone in China lose face Who else loses face?

The Chinese concept of “face” (aka 面子 or miànzi) refers to a cultural understanding of respect, honor and social standing. Actions or words that are disrespectful may cause somebody to “lose face” while gifts, awards and other respect-giving actions may “give face”.

How can I improve my face in China?

Tips for giving/gaining face:

1. Paying someone a compliment.
2. Inviting someone out for dinner (and picking up the bill).
3. Giving an expensive gift when meeting someone.

What is guanxi strategy?

Guanxi loosely translates as personal connections, relationships or social networks. It implies trust and mutual obligations between parties, and it operates on personal, familial, social, business and political levels. Bill become determined to pay close attention to cross-cultural nuances, specifically guanxi.

What does it mean to lose your face in Chinese culture?

Losing face in Chinese culture is about more than being embarrassed. In Chinese culture, you spend your entire life trying to build your social prestige and reputation, while also trying to avoid causing anyone else to lose theirs. You gain face less by individual achievement and more by promoting social harmony and by being seen as helpful.

Why do Chinese people give face in business?

Since much of China’s business culture is based on personal relationships (guanxi 关系), giving face is also a tool that is frequently used in making inroads into new social circles.

What does “what a loss of face” mean?

“What a loss of face!” is a common exclamation from the crowd whenever someone is making a fool of themselves or doing something they shouldn’t, and if someone says that you don’t even want face (不要脸), then you know that they have a very low opinion of you indeed.

What is the origin of the Chinese concept of face?

The modern concept that ties face to the idea of honor and reputation is clearly related to ideas of Confucianism, but it is impossible to find the exact origin of the concept of face in Chinese culture.