Definition
一面 (yī miàn) has two main uses: (1) as a noun meaning 'one side' or 'one aspect' of an issue/object – compare 边 (biān) which refers to a physical edge or border; (2) as an adverb in the 一面...一面... pattern for simultaneous actions – this is more formal/literary than the everyday 一边...一边... (HSK3).
noun
one sideone aspect
adverb
simultaneously (used in the structure 一面...一面...)
Easily confused
- 以免yǐ miǎnsound-alikeso as to avoid, lest, in order to prevent
Examples
- 一面。Wǒmen zhǐ kàn dào le wèntí de yī miàn.We only saw one side of the problem.
- 一面。Tā yī miàn chànggē yí miàn tiàowǔ.He sings and dances at the same time.
- 一面。Zhuōzi de yī miàn shì báisè de.One side of the table is white.
Grammar
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