adverb HSK 4
Traditional 當面
face-to-face · in person · to someone's face
Meaning
当面 means doing something directly in front of someone, typically speaking or confronting them in person rather than through other means. It emphasizes the directness and personal nature of an interaction, often used when discussing honest communication or confrontation.
Usage
Commonly used when contrasting direct, in-person communication with indirect methods like phone calls, messages, or talking behind someone's back. Often appears in phrases like 当面说 (say to someone's face) or 当面解决 (resolve in person). Can carry implications of courage or honesty when used positively, or rudeness when used negatively.
Examples
- 01有什么问题你应该当面跟他说，不要背后议论。, .If you have any problems, you should tell him to his face, don't talk about him behind his back.
- 02经理当面表扬了她的工作表现。.The manager praised her work performance to her face.
Characters
Common collocations
- 当面说to say to someone's face
- 当面指出to point out in person
- 当面道歉to apologize in person
- 当面交代to explain face-to-face
Antonyms
Origin
Literally combines 当 (to face, to be at) with 面 (face), creating the meaning of being in front of someone's face or in their direct presence.