mask, face, features, surface
面 centers on the front-facing aspect of something: the face itself, a mask that covers it, the surface of an object, or the visible features that define its appearance.
面 is a pictograph of a face, with the outer box representing the outline and the inner strokes suggesting the eyes and nose. The modern form retains this stylized face shape.
The outer box is the outline of a face, and the inner strokes are the eyes and nose. Together, 面 is a face or mask, and by extension any surface or set of features.
For メン, imagine a man putting on a mask: man -> メン, and the mask covers his face.
interesting; fascinating; intriguing; enthralling
face
face; mug
face
screen (of a TV, computer, etc.)
trouble; bother
serious; earnest; sober; grave
scene; setting; place (where something happens); scenario; case
good-looking guy; handsome man; hunk; Adonis; cool guy
surface; face
direction; district; area
interview (e.g. for a job)
front; frontage; facade; main
mask
whole surface; entire
area (measurement); square measure; size (of land); floor space
side; flank; profile; sidelight; lateral
bothersome; tiresome; bother to do
ground; earth's surface
face (of person)
confrontation
while; although; though; but
front part; frontage; facade
meeting face-to-face; seeing in person
meeting (face-to-face); seeing; visit; interview
to face on; to look out on to
water's surface
current; urgent; pressing; impending
road surface
inside; interior
first meeting; first interview with
face; honour; honor
level surface; plane
interview
position in a game; state of the game
both sides; two sides; double-sided
section; cross section; profile
back (side); reverse
back (side); reverse
slope; slanting surface; bevel
space on a page (e.g. in a newspaper)
washing one's face
mask; veil; disguise
sheet music; score
document; letter
every person; each one; everybody
drawing; diagram; plans; blueprint
contents of a document (esp. of a letter)
face; looks; countenance
moon's surface
acquaintance
surface of a wall
face value; par
blushing; getting red in the face
sea level; (surface of) sea
directly opposite; right in front
methodical; precise; meticulous; scrupulous; regular; punctual
the whole face
outer surface; outside; exterior
page of a magazine
face; honour; honor; reputation; prestige; dignity; credit
many-sided; multifaceted
while; although; though; but
noh mask
expression; look; countenance; face
one face; one surface
other side; another side; different angle
planted area
total; complete; all-out; general; extensive; full-scale
wash basin; wash bowl (incl. portable bowl in a public bath)
washroom; bathroom
grimace; sullen face
social page (of newspaper); local news page
amusing; funny; interesting