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面目が立つ (めんもくがたつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-tsu)
save face ; keep face ; not lose face
Used when one's honor or reputation is preserved, often after a potentially embarrassing situation. Typically appears in the affirmative or negative potential form.
面めん
目もく
が
立た
た
ない
。
With this result, I would lose face.
Written forms 面めん 目もく が 立た つ
面めん 目もく がたつ
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; less common but still used.
Similar words 面めん 目もく を 保たも つ Similar meaning, but 面目を保つ is a more formal or written expression for maintaining face, while 面目が立つ is more colloquial and often used in the negative potential form.
顔かお が 立た つ Also means 'to save face', but 顔が立つ is slightly more casual and focuses on personal pride or social standing.
Etymology Compound of 面目 (honor, face) + が (subject marker) + 立つ (to stand, be established). The phrase literally means 'one's face stands', i.e., one's reputation remains intact.
