bei2 min6俾面
Definition
To do something out of respect for someone, even if one is not eager to do so.
How it's used
Carries a strong nuance of social obligation where one suppresses personal preference to maintain harmony or save someone else's face. It is frequently used in situations involving invitations, attendance at events, or mediating conflicts where the speaker wants to emphasize that their cooperation is a personal favor rather than a genuine desire to participate. The phrase implies that the person being given face has a certain level of social standing or personal importance to the speaker.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simply being polite. It is specifically about granting a favor or showing deference to a person's status or relationship, rather than just general good manners.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
