When combined, 见世面 (jiàn shìmiàn) literally means “to see the world's face.” The idea is to go beyond your immediate, familiar surroundings and witness the many different “faces” of society. This exposure is what builds character, knowledge, and sophistication.
In Chinese culture, 见世面 is a highly valued aspect of personal development, for both children and adults. It's considered a crucial ingredient for maturity and success. A person who has 见过世面 (jiàn guo shìmiàn - “has seen the world”) is seen as capable, calm under pressure, and socially adept. Conversely, someone who is 没见过世面 (méi jiàn guo shìmiàn - “has not seen the world”) is often perceived as naive, provincial (土, tǔ), and prone to making social blunders or overreacting to minor issues. This contrasts with the Western concept of “traveling to find yourself.” While self-discovery can be a part of it, 见世面 is more pragmatic. It's less about internal spiritual journeys and more about acquiring external knowledge and social skills to function more effectively in society. A parent might send their child to study abroad not just for the education, but specifically so they can 见见世面—learning independence, understanding different cultures, and becoming a more well-rounded, capable person. It's about equipping yourself for the complexities of the world.
This term is used frequently in daily conversation, across various contexts.
The connotation is almost always positive when used as a goal. When used to describe a person's past, it can be positive (he has experience) or negative (he lacks experience).