liǎngmiànpài: 两面派 - Two-Faced Person, Double-Dealer

• Keywords: liǎngmiànpài, 两面派, two-faced person in Chinese, Chinese word for hypocrite, double-dealer, duplicitous, insincere, fake person Chinese, Chinese slang, how to say hypocrite in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn about the powerful Chinese term 两面派 (liǎngmiànpài), which describes a “two-faced person” or “double-dealer.” This comprehensive guide breaks down its literal meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage in modern China. Understand how to spot and describe this kind of hypocrisy, and why it's considered a serious character flaw in Chinese culture.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): liǎngmiàn pài
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A (Concept is advanced, suitable for intermediate to advanced learners)
• Concise Definition: A person who is duplicitous, hypocritical, or says one thing and does another; a two-faced person or double-dealer.
• In a Nutshell: 两面派 (liǎngmiànpài) is a strongly negative term for a hypocrite. It literally translates to the “two-face faction” or “two-sided school,” vividly painting a picture of someone who shows different faces or holds opposing loyalties depending on the situation. Calling someone a 两面派 is a direct and serious accusation of deceit, untrustworthiness, and a fundamental lack of integrity.

• 两 (liǎng): Means “two” or “a pair.”
• 面 (miàn): Means “face,” “side,” or “surface.”
• 派 (pài): Means a “faction,” “clique,” “school of thought,” or a “type/style” of person.

Together, 两 (two) + 面 (face/side) + 派 (faction/type) creates the “two-face type of person.” The character 派 adds a unique layer, suggesting that this person's duplicity is so ingrained it's like they belong to their own deceptive political party or clique.

In Chinese culture, which often places a high value on sincerity (诚意, chéngyì), integrity (正直, zhèngzhí), and social harmony (和谐, héxié), being a 两面派 is a severe character flaw. It signifies a profound breach of trust that can destroy relationships, whether personal or professional. A 两面派 isn't just someone who tells a white lie; they are seen as fundamentally disloyal and manipulative. Their behavior directly undermines the unspoken rules of 关系 (guānxi), where trust and mutual obligation are paramount. Comparison to Western Culture: The English term “two-faced” is a very close equivalent. However, the inclusion of 派 (pài) in 两面派 can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of calculated allegiance and betrayal, especially in group or political settings. While “two-faced” might be used for simple gossip, 两面派 often implies a deeper, more systematic deception, as if the person is playing for two different teams simultaneously. It's a betrayal not just of an individual, but of a group's collective trust.

两面派 is an insult. It is used to express contempt and disappointment in someone's character. Its usage is almost exclusively negative and can be found in various contexts.

• In the Workplace: This is a common setting to hear the term. It's used to describe a colleague who flatters the boss to their face but complains endlessly behind their back, or one who steals credit for a team project while appearing supportive.
• In Social Circles: It describes a “friend” who is sweet and supportive when you are around but spreads rumors or criticizes you to others.
• In Politics and Media: Public figures, officials, or celebrities are often accused of being 两面派 if their public statements contradict their private actions (e.g., promoting charity while living an excessively lavish and wasteful lifestyle).
• Formality: The term can be used in informal gossip among friends (“他是个两面派！”) as well as in more formal condemnations, such as in a news article criticizing a corrupt official.

• Example 1:
  • 我最讨厌两面派，当着你的面一套，背后又一套。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuì tǎoyàn liǎngmiànpài, dāngzhe nǐ de miàn yī tào, bèihòu yòu yī tào.
  • English: I hate two-faced people the most; they act one way to your face and another way behind your back.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses a common parallel phrase, `当面一套，背后一套 (dāngmiàn yī tào, bèihòu yòu yī tào)`, which perfectly explains the behavior of a 两面派.
• Example 2:
  • 你要小心他，他可是公司里出了名的两面派。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ yào xiǎoxīn tā, tā kěshì gōngsī lǐ chūle míng de liǎngmiànpài.
  • English: You need to be careful with him; he's the company's notorious double-dealer.
  • Analysis: This is a classic warning, often given to a new colleague. “出了名 (chūle míng)” means “famous for” or “notorious.”
• Example 3:
  • 我真没想到她是这种两面派，我再也不相信她了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhēn méi xiǎngdào tā shì zhè zhǒng liǎngmiànpài, wǒ zài yě bù xiāngxìn tā le.
  • English: I truly didn't expect her to be this kind of two-faced person. I will never trust her again.
  • Analysis: This sentence expresses shock and the consequence of such behavior: a complete loss of trust.
• Example 4:
  • 他的两面派行为最终被所有人识破了。
  • Pinyin: Tā de liǎngmiànpài xíngwéi zuìzhōng bèi suǒyǒu rén shípò le.
  • English: His duplicitous behavior was eventually seen through by everyone.
  • Analysis: Here, 两面派 is used as an adjective to describe “行为 (xíngwéi),” or behavior.
• Example 5:
  • 别再假惺惺了，你这个两面派！
  • Pinyin: Bié zài jiǎxīngxīng le, nǐ zhège liǎngmiànpài!
  • English: Stop pretending! You two-faced hypocrite!
  • Analysis: A very direct and angry accusation. “假惺惺 (jiǎxīngxīng)” means “to pretend” or “to be hypocritical.”
• Example 6:
  • 这位政客被媒体揭露是个两面派，对不同的选民说不同的话。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi zhèngkè bèi méitǐ jiēlù shì ge liǎngmiànpài, duì bùtóng de xuǎnmín shuō bùtóng de huà.
  • English: This politician was exposed by the media as a double-dealer who says different things to different voters.
  • Analysis: A common usage in a political context, highlighting a lack of consistent principles.
• Example 7:
  • 做人要诚实，千万不能当两面派。
  • Pinyin: Zuòrén yào chéngshí, qiānwàn bùnéng dāng liǎngmiànpài.
  • English: As a person, you must be honest; you absolutely cannot be two-faced.
  • Analysis: This sentence frames the concept as a moral lesson. “做人 (zuòrén)” means “how to conduct oneself as a person.”
• Example 8:
  • 在商业谈判中，我们最怕遇到两面派的对手。
  • Pinyin: Zài shāngyè tánpàn zhōng, wǒmen zuì pà yù dào liǎngmiànpài de duìshǒu.
  • English: In business negotiations, what we fear most is encountering a two-faced opponent.
  • Analysis: This shows the term's applicability in a professional, high-stakes context.
• Example 9:
  • 他对老板总是阿谀奉承，对同事却非常刻薄，真是个十足的两面派。
  • Pinyin: Tā duì lǎobǎn zǒngshì ēyú fèngchéng, duì tóngshì què fēicháng kèbó, zhēnshi ge shízú de liǎngmiànpài.
  • English: He's always flattering the boss but is very harsh with colleagues; he's a complete double-dealer.
  • Analysis: “十足的 (shízú de)” means “out-and-out” or “100%,” used here for emphasis. “阿谀奉承 (ēyú fèngchéng)” is a chengyu for “to flatter.”
• Example 10:
  • 我宁愿和坦率的敌人打交道，也不愿和两面派的朋友合作。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ nìngyuàn hé tǎnshuài de dírén dǎjiāodào, yě bù yuàn hé liǎngmiànpài de péngyǒu hézuò.
  • English: I would rather deal with a frank enemy than cooperate with a two-faced friend.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the “宁愿…也不愿… (nìngyuàn… yě bù yuàn…)” structure (“would rather… than…”) to emphasize how undesirable a 两面派 is.

• Don't Use It Lightly: 两面派 is a very strong and insulting term. Do not use it for someone who simply changes their mind or is indecisive. It specifically implies malicious intent and deception.
  • Incorrect: 他昨天想吃米饭，今天想吃面条，真是个两面派。 (He wanted rice yesterday and wants noodles today, he's so two-faced.)
  • Reason: This is simply changing preference, not being deceitful.
• False Friends: “Diplomatic” vs. “Two-Faced”
  • A person who is “diplomatic” (圆滑, yuánhuá) might be tactful and avoid conflict by choosing their words carefully in front of different people. Their goal is often to maintain harmony.
  • A 两面派, however, actively deceives for personal gain. Their goal is to manipulate.
  • For example, a diplomat might say “That's an interesting idea” to a bad suggestion to avoid offending someone. A 两面派 would say “That's a brilliant idea!” to your face and then tell everyone else how stupid it is.

• 虚伪 (xūwěi): Hypocritical, false. An adjective describing the *behavior* of a 两面派. 两面派 is the noun for the person.
• 当面一套，背后一套 (dāngmiàn yītào, bèihòu yītào): A chengyu (idiom) meaning “one set [of words/behaviors] to the face, another set behind the back.” It's the quintessential action of a 两面派.
• 口是心非 (kǒu shì xīn fēi): A chengyu meaning “mouth says yes, heart says no.” Describes the state of being insincere.
• 伪君子 (wěi jūn zǐ): “False gentleman.” Very similar to 两面派, but with a stronger emphasis on someone pretending to have high morals and virtue.
• 阳奉阴违 (yáng fèng yīn wéi): A chengyu meaning “to outwardly obey but inwardly defy.” This is a specific type of two-faced behavior, often seen in a hierarchical setting like a workplace or government.
• 小人 (xiǎo rén): “Small person.” A general term for a person of low moral character who is petty, selfish, and treacherous. A 两面派 is a classic example of a 小人.
• 真诚 (zhēnchéng): Sincere, genuine. A direct antonym.
• 正直 (zhèngzhí): Upright, honest, a person of integrity. A direct antonym.