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顔が立つ (かおがたつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-tsu)
save face ; maintain one's honor or status
Used when someone avoids embarrassment or preserves their reputation in a social situation. Often appears in negative or conditional forms (e.g., 顔が立たない, 顔が立たなくなる).
た
つ
よう
に
、
会かい
議ぎ
で
は
彼かれ
の
意い
見けん
を
支し
持じ
し
た
。
I supported my boss's opinion in the meeting so that he could save face.
Similar words 面めん 目ぼく を 保たも つ More formal and direct way to say 'maintain one's dignity/honor'. 顔が立つ is a common idiomatic expression focusing on social face.
顔かお を 潰つぶ す Means 'to make someone lose face', the opposite action. 顔が立つ describes the state of face being saved.
Etymology Idiomatic phrase combining 顔 (face, honor) and 立つ (to stand, be established). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects the cultural importance of 'face' in Japanese society.
