一面
Meanings
whole surface; entire area; all over
Describes something covering or spreading across an entire surface or area. Often used with に to mean 'all over'.
Snow covered the whole area.
Posters are plastered all over the wall.
one aspect; one side
Refers to a single facet or perspective of something, often contrasted with other aspects.
His story conveys only one side of the truth.
Used in the pattern 一面では or 一面において to introduce a contrasting viewpoint. More formal than 一方.
On the one hand he is kind, but on the other hand he is strict.
one flat object; one sheet
Counter-like usage for a single broad, flat item such as a mirror, board, or sheet of paper. Often used in compounds.
I bought one mirror.
Specifically the front page of a newspaper or magazine. The numeral form １面 is common in this context.
The incident was reported as the top story on the front page.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉一面に〈物〉が広がるfor something to spread all over a place
Gray clouds spread across the entire sky.
- 〈人〉には〈形容詞〉一面があるsomeone has a certain (often unexpected) side to them
Even a strict boss has a kind side.
- 一面では〈事〉、また一面では〈事〉on one hand..., on the other hand... (formal contrast)
This policy helps the economy on one hand, but harms the environment on the other.
- 〈事〉が一面を飾るfor a story to make the front page
The scandal made the front page of the newspaper.
Expressions
- 辺り一面the whole area; all around; everywhere