What exactly does it mean to "give face" in Chinese culture?

Question

I've heard that in China you cannot only lose or save face, you can give face as well. What exactly does it mean to give someone face? How does one go about giving face? What happens if I inadvertently neglect to give face?

Answer 1

Asian culture has a very fine-tuned sensibility of one's position in society. Take a look at bowing.

If you and I meet on the street and we are social equals, presumably we would exchange equivalent bows, the nature of which would be determined by the nature of our relationship - how casual or formal it is.

Suppose we're co-workers with the same job title. Unless we're also relatives, or friends outside of work, we would exchange a semi-formal small bow. Neither of us has gained or lost face.

Now suppose you had done a particularly good job on a project and I was aware of it. I could honor you by bowing more deeply or holding the bow longer, or expressing my honor by a humble gesture. That would be giving you face.

Answer 2

it has more to do with respect than anything else, the term "give face" is how the english translation translates to word for word, lose face is like disrespecting someone

Answer 3

give head

Answer 4

I think nothing to me.