Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '체면' refers to one's face, honor, or dignity in social contexts. It is often about maintaining respect and avoiding embarrassment in front of others.
Common Contexts
'체면' is frequently used when discussing social reputation, pride, or situations where someone wants to avoid shame or loss of respect. It often appears in expressions related to saving or losing face.
Collocations and Patterns
- 체면을 차리다: to maintain one's dignity or reputation.
- 체면 때문에: because of pride or concern for one's face.
- 체면을 잃다: to lose face or dignity.
Cultural Note
In Korean society, maintaining '체면' is important in interpersonal relationships. People may avoid direct confrontation or hide difficulties to preserve their '체면'.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '체면' with simple 'face' meaning the physical face, but '체면' specifically relates to social honor and reputation, not the literal face.