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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'face' with 脸 (liǎn)

    Description & Modification
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    一 + 脸 + Emotion/Expression; Noun 的 脸

    Explanation

    脸 (liǎn) means "face" and refers to the front part of the head. Beyond its literal meaning, it also carries cultural significance related to the concept of "face" (dignity, reputation) in Chinese society. It can be used with the structure 一脸 + emotion to describe a facial expression, as in 一脸兴奋 (a face full of excitement).

    Examples

    • 她冻得脸都红了。

      tā dòng de liǎn dōu hóng le.

      She was so cold that her face turned red.

    • 他一脸惊讶地看着我，说不出话来。

      tā yì liǎn jīngyà de kànzhe wǒ, shuō bù chū huà lái.

      He looked at me with a face full of surprise, unable to say a word.

    • 洗完脸以后别忘了擦防晒霜。

      xǐ wán liǎn yǐhòu bié wàngle cā fángshàishuāng.

      Don't forget to apply sunscreen after washing your face.

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    Referring to 'face' with 脸 (liǎn) | Chinese Grammar