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    Chinese Grammar

    Classifying a facial expression with 脸 (liǎn)

    Description & Modification
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    一 + 脸 + Adjective + 的 + 样子

    Explanation

    The word 脸 (liǎn) normally means "face," but it also functions as a classifier for facial expressions. In the pattern 一脸 + adjective, it describes someone's entire face showing a particular expression, as in 一脸得意 (a smug expression).

    Examples

    • 她一脸开心地跑过来告诉我好消息。

      tā yì liǎn kāixīn de pǎo guòlái gàosù wǒ hǎo xiāoxi.

      She ran over with a happy face to tell me the good news.

    • 老师一脸严肃地看着我们。

      lǎoshī yì liǎn yánsù de kànzhe wǒmen.

      The teacher looked at us with a serious expression.

    • 他一脸惊讶，好像完全没想到。

      tā yì liǎn jīngyà, hǎoxiàng wánquán méi xiǎngdào.

      He looked completely surprised, as if he hadn't expected it at all.

    Classifying a facial expression with 脸 (liǎn) | Chinese Grammar