Comparing "jian" and "jianmian"

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Both 见 (jiàn) and 见面 (jiànmiàn) are used between two or more people to mean “to see one another” or "to meet up". Sometimes they can be used interchangeably.

见 (jiàn) 见面 (jiànmiàn)
Meaningemphasizes to see one anotheremphasizes to meet up
Part of Speechverbverb
Formalityformal and informalformal and informal

Similarities

Example Sentences

In the following sentences, 见 (jiàn) AND 见面 (jiànmiàn) both can be used interchangeably:

Differences

见 (jiàn) and 见面 (jiànmiàn) also have specific individual uses.

见 (jiàn) is followed by an object, i.e., person/people being seen.

见面 (jiànmiàn)cannot be followed an object and usually ends a sentence.

Common Phrases

These (set) phrases work ONLY with 见(jiàn):

  • 一会儿~
  • 晚上~
  • 明天~
  • 明年~
  • 下次~

Example Sentences

In the following sentences, ONLY “见”(jiàn)can be used:

In the following sentences, ONLY “见面”(jiànmiàn)can be used:

Advanced Differences

见面 (jiànmiàn)is a special type of Chinese verb called a “separable verb”, meaning 见 and 面 can be “separated” and other “stuff” can be put in the middle. For a detailed understanding of this type of verb and its usage click on this link to our grammar wiki page.