Definition
面 (miàn) means 'face, side, surface' as a general noun, and is also a classifier for flat objects like mirrors and flags. It differs from 外面 (wài miàn 'outside'), which refers to the exterior, and from 表面 (biǎo miàn 'surface'), which emphasizes the outer layer. 方面 (fāng miàn) means 'aspect' or 'field' and is used for abstract sides of a matter.
noun
facesidesurface
classifier
for flat objects (mirrors, flags, drums, etc.)
Easily confused
- 免miǎnsound-aliketo exempt; to excuse (from a duty or obligation)
- 棉miánsound-alikecotton
Examples
- 。Wǒ mǎi le yí miàn jìngzi.I bought a mirror.
- 。zhuōmiàn hěn gānjìng.The table surface is very clean.
- 。Zhè zhāng zhǐ de měi yí miàn dōu xiě le zì.Each side of this paper has writing.
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