人前…，人后…
in public …, (but) in private …; in front of others …, behind closed doors …
Structure
（主语） 人前 表面的样子 ， 人后 （却） 真实的情况 · 人前人后 ＋ 一个样
What it means
人前 is 'in front of people', 人后 'out of their sight'. Set against each other, they contrast the face someone shows with what is really going on.
How it is built
(Subject) + 人前 + public face，人后 (却) + private reality: 他人前总是笑呵呵的，人后却常常一个人发愁 (In company he's cheerful; in private he worries alone). Stock phrase: 人前风光，人后辛酸.
When to use it
Common in features about stars, athletes and carers. Together, 人前人后 means 'in public and in private alike': 做人要人前人后一个样 (Be the same person in public as in private).
Watch out
For gossip behind someone's back use 背后 (别在背后说人坏话); for 'in front of him' use 在他面前, not ✗在他人前.
Examples
他人前总是笑呵呵的，人后却常常一个人发愁。
In company he is always cheerful, but in private he often sits alone and worries.
当明星看起来风光，其实是人前风光，人后辛酸。
Being a star looks glamorous, but the glamour on show hides a lot of private hardship.
做人要人前人后一个样。
Be the same person in public as in private.
Learn this in Lesson 162 · HSK 7–9: 抑郁症不是矫情 (Depression is not oversensitivity)
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.
Open the lesson →