面 (miàn) - Face & surface

面Tone 4

miàn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

面 · miàn

Face;

surface;

side;

aspect;

flour;

noodles;

to face (towards);

personally;

cover or outer layer.

Facesurfaceside

Usage highlights

FaceNoodlesSurfaceAspectFace to faceFlour

Synonyms

  • 脸— face (more physical)
  • 表面— surface, appearance
  • 面孔— face, countenance

Antonyms

  • 里— inside, interior
  • 背— back, reverse side

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She has a beautiful face (漂亮的面孔).
  • We ate noodles for lunch (吃了面条).
  • This issue has many aspects (问题的多个方面).
  • The surface of the table is smooth (桌面光滑).
  • I'll meet him face to face (当面见他).

Collocations

  • Face(面孔)
  • Noodles(面条)
  • Surface(表面)
  • Aspect(方面)
  • Face to face(面对面)
  • Flour(面粉)

Idioms

  • Lose face(丢面子)
  • Save face(保全面子)
  • Face like peach and plum, heart like snakes and scorpions(面如桃李，心似蛇蝎)
  • Smile on the face, dagger in the heart(笑里藏刀)
  • Eight sides exquisite(八面玲珑)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 'face' (面子) represents social standing, prestige, and dignity.
  • Noodles symbolize longevity in Chinese culture, often eaten on birthdays.
  • The character appears in many business and social contexts related to reputation and appearance.

FAQ