Refers to the outermost layer or superficial aspect of something, often contrasted with deeper layers (e.g., 深層). Used in both physical and abstract contexts.
Antonyms: 深層
The Earth's surface layer is called the crust.
Don't just look at the surface of the problem.
deep layer; depths; deep level
Compound of 表 (surface, front) and 層 (layer, stratum). The reading is on'yomi for both characters.