面斥（miàn chì）

Pronunciation: miàn chì

Basic Meaning: to criticize someone's face-to-face

Detailed Explanation: 面斥 refers to directly criticizing or rebuking someone in person. It implies that the criticism is straightforward and not disguised or hidden. It emphasizes the direct confrontation between the criticizer and the criticized person.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom is often used to describe a situation where someone openly and directly criticizes another person's behavior, actions, or opinions, usually in a confrontational manner.

Story Origin: The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient China. It is said that during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), there was a famous philosopher named Mozi. Mozi advocated for universal love and criticized the extravagant and wasteful lifestyle of the ruling class. He often faced opposition and backlash from those in power, who would openly criticize and rebuke him for his ideas and actions. This behavior of openly criticizing someone face-to-face eventually gave rise to the idiom "面斥".

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom "面斥" consists of two characters. "面" means "face" or "in person", and "斥" means "to criticize" or "to rebuke".

Example Sentences:

1. 他面斥了他們的無知和愚蠢。

Translation: He openly criticized their ignorance and stupidity.

2. 老師面斥了他的不良行為。

Translation: The teacher rebuked him for his bad behavior.

Memory Techniques: To remember the meaning of "面斥", you can imagine two people facing each other and one person criticizing the other person's face directly. This visual image can help you associate the idiom with its meaning.

Extended Learning: To further deepen your understanding of the idiom "面斥", you can explore related idioms or expressions that involve criticism or confrontation, such as "面授機宜" (to give personal instruction) or "面面相覷" (to look at each other in dismay).

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

Children: 我面斥了小明的調皮行為。

Translation: I openly criticized Xiao Ming's mischievous behavior.

Teenagers: 她面斥了同學們的不負責任。

Translation: She openly criticized her classmates for their irresponsibility.

Adults: 我們應該面斥不公正的行為。

Translation: We should openly criticize unjust behavior.