Translation guide
To lose face means to suffer a loss of respect, dignity, or social standing, especially in front of others. In Japanese, this concept is deeply tied to social harmony and is expressed through several common phrases.
Expressing that someone has been embarrassed or lost dignity in a social situation.
A direct and formal phrase meaning 'to lose face' or 'to lose one's honor/dignity'. Suitable for serious situations.
彼は公の場で面目を失った。
He lost face in public.
Literally 'to crush one's face'. A very common idiom meaning to cause someone to lose face or to damage their reputation. Often used when someone is humiliated by another's actions.
彼のミスで上司の顔をつぶしてしまった。
His mistake caused his boss to lose face.
Literally 'one's face doesn't stand'. Means to be unable to maintain one's dignity or to be put in a position where one loses face. Often used when someone cannot fulfill a social obligation.
約束を守れなくて顔が立たない。
I can't keep my promise and will lose face.
Means 'to be embarrassed' or 'to make a fool of oneself'. While not a direct translation of 'lose face', it conveys the feeling of public embarrassment that leads to loss of face.
人前で転んで恥をかいた。
I tripped in front of everyone and lost face.
Describing an action that makes another person lose face.
Literally 'to smear mud on someone's face'. A strong idiom meaning to disgrace or humiliate someone, especially someone close like a family member or mentor.
息子の犯罪は家族の顔に泥を塗った。
The son's crime brought shame on the family (caused them to lose face).
Means 'complete loss of face' or 'total humiliation'. Used when someone's reputation is utterly destroyed.
不正が発覚して、社長は面目丸つぶれだ。
The scandal was exposed and the company president lost all face.
Expressing the act of preserving one's dignity or avoiding embarrassment.
Literally 'to stand up someone's face'. Means to help someone save face or to show respect so they maintain their dignity.
彼の意見を受け入れて顔を立てた。
I accepted his opinion to let him save face.
A formal phrase meaning 'to maintain one's honor/dignity' or 'to save face'.
彼はなんとか面目を保とうとした。
He tried to save face somehow.
顔 (かお) is used in many idiomatic expressions related to social standing and is more colloquial. 面目 (めんぼく) is more formal and often used in serious contexts involving honor or reputation.
Avoid directly translating 'lose face' as 顔を失う (かおをうしなう). This is not a natural Japanese expression. Use the idioms provided.