看在X的面子上
for the sake of X; out of regard for X
Structure
看在 人 的面子上 ， 请求／让步
What it means
For the sake of X, out of regard for X: asks a favour or explains a concession by pointing to a relationship.
How it is built
看在 + person + 的面子上，+ request / concession: 看在老邻居的面子上，这次就算了 (Since we’re old neighbours, I’ll let it go this time).
When to use it
Spoken. When X is not a person, 份上 often replaces 面子上: 看在钱的份上, 看在多年交情的份上.
Watch out
✗为了孩子的面子上 ✓看在孩子的面子上. 为了 cannot take 面子上; 为了X的面子 means to save X’s face, a different idea.
Examples
看在老邻居的面子上，这次就算了。
Since we are old neighbours, I will let it go this time.
你就看在孩子的面子上，别跟他吵了。
For the children’s sake, stop fighting with him.
看在钱的份上，这份苦差事我也认了。
For the money, I will put up with this thankless job.
Learn this in Lesson 221 · HSK 9+: 老舍的《茶馆》 (Lao She’s Teahouse and the Beijing voice)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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