In the rich tapestry of East Asian languages, the expressions for “saving face” or “maintaining dignity” are not only culturally significant but also reveal fascinating linguistic exchanges. The Japanese and Korean phrases for this concept, in particular, demonstrate a unique blend of languages and cultures.
In Korean, the expression used is “가오를 잡다,” which, when directly translated, means “Hold Face.” Intriguingly, the word “가오” (kao) in this phrase is borrowed from the Japanese word for face, “顔” (kao). This borrowing is a testament to the historical and cultural exchanges between Korea and Japan.
Switching over to Japanese, the expression used is “面子 (メンツ) を保つ,” which translates to “maintain Mentsu.” Here, the term “メンツ” (Mentsu) is not originally Japanese but is borrowed from the Chinese word “面子” (miànzi), meaning face or reputation. This term embodies the importance of honor and social standing in Chinese culture, and its adoption into Japanese reflects the deep cultural and linguistic ties between Japan and China.
What makes these expressions particularly interesting is their use of foreign words to articulate a concept that is deeply rooted in their own cultures. This phenomenon is not just a linguistic curiosity but also a mirror reflecting the historical interactions and mutual influences among East Asian countries. The concept of “saving face” or “maintaining dignity” is pivotal in East Asian societies, underscoring the values of honor, respect, and social harmony. The use of borrowed terms in Korean and Japanese to express this concept highlights the shared cultural values across this region, despite the diverse languages.
This linguistic journey of “saving face” from Chinese to Japanese to Korean is a beautiful example of how languages evolve and influence each other. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of human cultures and the ways in which our languages are woven together in a complex, yet harmonious, tapestry.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 