顔を立てる
かおをたてる
expression
to save someone's face; to show respect for someone's position or reputation
1.
to save someone's face; to show deference to someone's position, honor, or reputation
To act in a way that preserves another person's dignity, reputation, or authority, especially in social or professional situations where embarrassment could occur.
先輩の顔を立てて引き受けた。
I accepted in order to show respect for my senior.
ここは社長の顔を立てておこう。
Let's defer to the company president here.
両方の顔を立てるのは難しいが、うまく調整するしかない。
It's hard to save face for both sides, but we have no choice but to work out a compromise.
Part of the extensive 顔 idiom family in Japanese. 顔 here represents reputation, honor, and social standing. This expression is essential for understanding Japanese business culture and social dynamics, where maintaining hierarchical relationships and avoiding public embarrassment are highly valued.
The person whose face is being saved is marked with の.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 〜の顔を立てる: to save ~'s face
- 両方の顔を立てる: to show respect to both sides
- 顔を立てておく: to defer to someone (for the time being)
RELATED 顔 EXPRESSIONS:
- 顔を潰す: to make someone lose face — the opposite
- 顔が広い: to know many people; to be well-connected
- 顔を出す: to show up; to make an appearance
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 面目を保つ: to maintain one's dignity — more formal; used for preserving one's own honor
- 配慮する: to show consideration — broader; not limited to saving face