Chinese Culture (5) FACE

面子/Mianzi (Face)

The idea of shame, usually expressed as 'face' could be loosely defined as the 'status' or 'self-respect' in Chinese and by no means alien to foreigners. It is the worst thing for a Chinese to lose face. Never insult, embarrass, shame, yell at or otherwise demean a person. Since all these actions would risk putting a Chinese in a situation that he might lose face. Neither try to prove someone wrong nor shout at him in public. In order to get a successful effect without letting a Chinese lose face, any criticism should be delivered privately, discreetly and tactfully, or else, just opposite to what you wish.

羞耻这个概念，通常被表达为“面子”。在中文中大致的含义是“地位”或者“自尊”，这和外国人的观念并不相同。在中国，最糟糕的事莫过于失了面子。所以，千万不要对一个人进行侮辱、羞辱或者对其大吼，让其尴尬等。因为这样会让一个中国人感觉到失了面子。千万不要证明某人错了，或者在公共场合对其吼叫。为了能有效的传达意见而不让中国人丢了面子，任何的批评都应该私下传递，而且方式要巧妙而谨慎。否则，你将事与愿违。