一面之交 A mere acquaintance
Explanation
这个成语指的是只见过一面，交情很浅。
This idiom refers to a very superficial acquaintance, where one has only met once.
Origin Story
战国时期，一位名叫苏秦的青年，满腹经纶，却一直没有得到重用。为了实现自己的抱负，他决心去游说各国君主。他来到魏国，想见魏王，却被守卫拦住，理由是魏王最近很忙，不见任何人。苏秦不死心，他便在魏王的宫门口等候了三天三夜，终于等到魏王出门。魏王看到一个衣衫褴褛的青年站在门口，便好奇地问：“你在这里等了三天三夜，究竟想干什么？”苏秦说：“我来自赵国，想为大王献计献策。”魏王听后，只是淡淡地说：“我很忙，没时间听你说话。”苏秦依然坚持：“我自幼熟读兵法，精通谋略，如果能得到大王赏识，我定能帮助魏国成为天下霸主！”魏王被苏秦的自信打动了，便答应让他进宫。苏秦见魏王之后，滔滔不绝地向他讲述自己的谋略，最终成功地获得了魏王的信任，被封为上卿。
During the Warring States Period, a young man named Su Qin, full of ambition, had never been given an important position. To realize his aspirations, he decided to persuade the rulers of the various states. He came to Wei and wanted to meet the King of Wei, but he was stopped by the guards, as the King had been very busy lately and was not receiving anyone. Su Qin didn't give up and waited three days and three nights outside the gate of the Wei Palace, until the King finally came out. The King saw a dirty young man standing at the gate and curiously asked: “Why have you been waiting here for three days and three nights? What do you want?” Su Qin said: “I come from Zhao and would like to offer the King advice and strategies.” The King of Wei replied only briefly: “I am very busy, I have no time to listen to you.” Su Qin remained persistent: “Since my youth, I have been studying the art of war and am experienced in strategy. If I could gain the King's favor, I would help Wei become the ruler of the world!” The King of Wei was impressed by Su Qin's self-confidence and agreed to let him into the palace. After Su Qin met the King of Wei, he spoke endlessly about his strategies and finally gained the King's trust. He was appointed as the Chief Minister.
Usage
这个成语用来形容两个人之间只见过一面，交情很浅。
This idiom is used to describe two people who have only met once and have a very superficial relationship.
Examples
-
我和他只是一面之交，并不熟悉。
wǒ hé tā zhǐ shì yī miàn zhī jiāo, bìng bù shú xī.
He and I are just acquaintances, we are not familiar with each other.
-
虽然只是匆匆一面之交，但他的热情给我留下了深刻的印象。
suīrán zhǐ shì cōng cōng yī miàn zhī jiāo, dàn tā de rè qíng gěi wǒ liú xià le shēn kè de yìn xiàng.
Although it was just a brief encounter, his enthusiasm left a deep impression on me.
-
我们只是萍水相逢，算是一面之交，没有什么深交。
wǒ men zhǐ shì píng shuǐ xiāng féng, suàn shì yī miàn zhī jiāo, méi yǒu shén jiāo.
We just met by chance, we are just acquaintances, not deep friends.
-
我和他虽然只有一面之交，但也从他的谈吐中感受到了他的智慧。
wǒ hé tā suīrán zhǐ yǒu yī miàn zhī jiāo, dàn yě cóng tā de tán tǔ zhōng gǎn shòu dào le tā de zhì huì.
Although I only met him once, I felt his wisdom from his conversation.
-
人生何处不相逢，或许以后还会再有交集。
rén shēng hé chǔ bù xiāng féng, kě néng yǐ hòu hái huì zài yǒu jiāo jí.
Life is full of surprises, maybe we will meet again in the future.