面 目(めんぼく)

めんぼく

noun

face, honor, dignity

abstract society

1. face, honor, dignity, reputation

One's social standing, honor, or dignity in the eyes of others. Often used in expressions about saving or losing face.

面目(めんぼく)を失(うしな)う

to lose face

面目(めんぼく)が立(た)たない。

I can't save face./I'm losing my credibility.

彼(かれ)は失敗(しっぱい)を取(と)り戻(もど)して、面目(めんぼく)を保(たも)った。

He recovered from his failure and saved face.

Alternative reading: Also commonly read as めんもく.

Usage: Often appears in set expressions about honor and reputation. Can be used with various verbs to describe gaining, losing, or maintaining face.

Nuance: 面目(めんぼく) relates to social reputation and dignity—how one is perceived by others. It's an important concept in Japanese social relations.

Common expressions

面目(めんぼく)を失(うしな)う (to lose face)
面目(めんぼく)が立(た)つ/立(た)たない (to save/lose face)
面目(めんぼく)を保(たも)つ (to maintain one's honor)
面目(めんぼく)丸(まる)潰(つぶ)れ (complete loss of face)
面目(めんぼく)躍如(やくじょ) (showing one's true worth)
合(あ)わせる顔(かお)がない (to be too ashamed to face someone)

Related words

体面(たいめん) (honor, dignity - more formal)
体裁(ていさい) (appearance, keeping up appearances)
世間体(せけんてい) (reputation in society)
沽券(こけん) (dignity, reputation)

Related Words

Synonym: 体裁(ていさい) (appearance)

Synonym: 沽券(こけん) (dignity, self-respect)

Synonym: 体面(たいめん) (more formal)

Synonym: 世間体(せけんてい) (social reputation)

general

Added 2026.1.31 20:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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