One of the most frequently used idiomatic expressions that any one foreigner who study Chinese in China should know is 爱面子. It carries the meaning of be sensitive about one’s reputation or be concerned about one’s face-saving. The foreign learners who study Chinese should know that it usually used to describe somebody has great vanity. We can also used to indicate someone walks self in trouble because of considering the face-saving. It often carries a negative meaning to criticize people.

Generally speaking, most Chinese people are sensitive about their reputation. As a result, many words related to 面子 are produced, which may confuse the foreigners who are in Chinese courses in China. Here are some examples, 爱面子、要面子、留面子、给面子、讲面子、丢面子、顾面子、没面子. However, the students who study Chinese should know it is also a kind of expression of proper pride. But the most important thing is that we should limit it in a proper degree or you will be in pain if you attach excessive importance to 面子.