syu1 min2輸面输面
Jyutpingsyu1 min2
Yalesyū mín
Definition
To lose face.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the social shame or loss of status resulting from a public failure or being proven wrong. It carries a stronger sense of active humiliation compared to simply being embarrassed. People often use it when someone refuses to admit a mistake to avoid the social cost of appearing inferior.
Examples
He lost face in front of so many people, it is really awkward.
Related words
Common phrases
afraid of losing face
to lose face completely
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 冇面, which describes the state of having no face or being disrespected. 輸面 is an action or process of losing that status, whereas 冇面 is the resulting condition.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
