Translation guide
The English word "surface" covers both physical top layers and abstract outward appearances. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean a physical surface (like a table or water), a superficial appearance, or the act of emerging.
The outer or top part of an object, material, or area.
The most common and neutral word for the physical surface of an object.
Please wipe the surface of the desk.
There are many craters on the surface of the moon.
Specifically the surface of water (lakes, rivers, oceans).
The moon is reflected on the water's surface.
The surface of the ground or earth.
The ground surface is wet.
The superficial or apparent aspect of something, often contrasted with what lies beneath.
Also used metaphorically for the outward appearance of a situation or person.
On the surface he seems calm, but actually he's angry.
Emphasizes superficiality, often with a negative nuance of shallowness.
Outward appearance, often used in contrast to reality.
The action of rising to the surface or becoming known.
Used in compound terms to describe properties of a surface.
表面 is the most neutral and can be used for both physical and metaphorical surfaces. うわべ is explicitly superficial and often negative, implying shallowness. 見かけ is about visual appearance and is commonly used in the phrase 見かけによらず (don't judge by appearances).
For specific surfaces like water, ground, or road, use the specific compound (水面, 地面, 路面). Using 表面 for these can sound unnatural.
It's just surface-level kindness.
Don't be fooled by surface appearances.
Surface temperature.
The surface temperature of the sun is about 6000 degrees.