Lose face Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫuz/ /ˈfeɪs
LOOZ FAYS
lˈuːz/ /fˈeɪs
LOOZ FAYS
Definition
To lose the respect of others, often because of embarrassment, failure, or a mistake, especially in public.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom, not about literally 'losing' your face. It's common in both formal and informal English. Closely linked to public image, reputation, or honor. Often used with 'afraid to lose face' or 'make someone lose face.'
Spanish: perder prestigio - quedar malPortuguese (BR): perder a reputação - ficar malPortuguese (PT): perder a reputação - ficar malChinese (Simplified): 丢脸Chinese (Traditional): 丟臉Hindi: आबरू खो देना - शर्मिंदगी होनाArabic: يفقد ماء وجهه - يتعرض للإحراجBengali: মুখ হারানো - সম্মান হারানোRussian: потерять лицоJapanese: 面目を失うVietnamese: mất mặtKorean: 체면을 잃다Turkish: yüzünü kaybetmek - küçük düşmekUrdu: عزت کھونا - شرمندہ ہونا (عوام میں)Indonesian: kehilangan muka - kehilangan harga diri
Example Sentences
He didn't want to lose face in front of his friends.
basic
The manager apologized so he wouldn't lose face with the team.
basic
She made a mistake but tried not to lose face at work.
basic
Nobody wants to lose face during an important meeting.
natural
If you correct your boss in public, he might lose face.
natural
He lied about the results so he wouldn't lose face after the project failed.
natural