要面子 is the everyday version of
爱面子 (ài miànzi) — both describe someone deeply concerned with social image. The concept of
面子 (miànzi, face) is central to Chinese social interaction: giving face (
给面子, gěi miànzi), losing face (
丢面子, diū miànzi), and saving face (
留面子, liú miànzi) shape negotiation, gift-giving, and even seating at dinner.
