Lose face是什麼意思

"Lose face" is an English idiom that originates from Chinese culture, where face (面子, miàn zi) refers to one's dignity, prestige, or social standing. To "lose face" means to suffer a loss of dignity, pride, or respect in front of others, or to experience a humiliating situation that damages one's reputation or social status.

The phrase is often used in contexts where saving face is important, such as in business negotiations, social interactions, or political situations. It can also refer to situations where someone is embarrassed or ashamed, especially if their actions or failures are publicly known.

For example:

• "After the CEO made a bad investment and lost the company millions, he really lost face in front of the board."
• "She didn't want to admit she was wrong because she was afraid of losing face with her colleagues."
• "The team's defeat in the championship match made them lose face with their fans."

The concept of face is important in many Asian cultures, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea, where maintaining a good reputation and social standing are highly valued. However, the idiom "lose face" is used in English-speaking cultures more broadly, regardless of ethnic background, to describe a situation where someone's pride or dignity is hurt.