verb HSK 4
Traditional 面對
miàn duì
to face · to confront · to be faced with

Meaning

面对 literally means 'face toward' and describes the action of directly facing or confronting something, whether physical (like facing a direction) or abstract (like facing a problem or challenge). It implies a direct encounter with something that requires acknowledgment or action.

Usage

面对 is commonly used in both literal contexts (physically facing something) and figurative ones (confronting difficulties, situations, or people). It often appears in serious or formal discussions about challenges, problems, or important decisions. Native speakers frequently pair it with words like 困难 (difficulties), 现实 (reality), or 挑战 (challenges).

Examples

  1. 01
    我们必须勇敢地面对这些挑战。
    Wǒmen bìxū yǒnggǎn de miànduì zhèxiē tiǎozhàn.
    We must bravely face these challenges.
  2. 02
    面对困难时,不要轻易放弃。
    Miànduì kùnnán shí, bùyào qīngyì fàngqì.
    When facing difficulties, don't give up easily.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 面对现实
    miàn duì xiàn shí
    to face reality
  • 面对困难
    miàn duì kùn nán
    to face difficulties
  • 面对挑战
    miàn duì tiǎo zhàn
    to face challenges
  • 勇敢面对
    yǒng gǎn miàn duì
    to bravely face

Antonyms

Origin

面 originally meant 'face' as the front part of the head, and 对 means 'to face' or 'toward.' Combined, they create the meaning of turning one's face toward something, which extends metaphorically to confronting or dealing with situations.

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