give face
Show public respect
Give face means to show respect, deference, or public acknowledgment that preserves someone's dignity or reputation.
The concept comes from East Asian social dynamics, where "face" represents one's standing and honor in a community.
To give face is to act in ways that enhance someone's status—praising them publicly, deferring to their expertise, or treating them as important: Make sure to give face to the senior partners at dinner.
The opposite is to lose face or cause someone to lose face.
- complimentWords expressing approval
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
- show respectDemonstrate esteem for another
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- filial pietyRespect owed to parents
pay tribute · respect · mutual respect · social harmony · collectivism · deference · honor · dignity · reciprocity · prestige · public image · hierarchy · power dynamics · humility · recognize · esteem · protocol · pride
- Chinglishlong time no see, no can do