Definition
面 (miàn) as 'face' sounds more formal or literary than everyday 脸 (liǎn) — it appears in compounds (表情 'facial expression') and set phrases, not for 'wash my face'. As 'side' or 'aspect', 面 often pairs with directions (东面 'east side'), while 方面 (fāngmiàn) is the standard noun for 'aspect, field'.
noun
facesideaspect
Easily confused
- 免miǎnsound-aliketo exempt; to excuse (from a duty or obligation)
- 棉miánsound-alikecotton
Examples
- 。Tā de miàn shàng dài zhe wēixiào.There is a smile on her face.
- 。Tā cóng dōng miàn lái le.He came from the east side.
- 。wèntí de zhè yī miàn xūyào zǐxì kǎolǜ.This aspect of the problem needs careful consideration.
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.