noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
The outermost physical layer or top side of an object. Used for literal surfaces of solids, liquids, and materials.
There are many craters on the surface of the moon.
表面の傷は目立たない。
The scratches on the surface are not noticeable.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
The outer side or external part of something, often contrasted with the inside. Can refer to the exterior of a building, container, or object.
箱の表面に宛名を書いてください。
Please write the address on the outside of the box.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
The outward appearance or superficial aspect of a person, situation, or thing, often implying a contrast with inner reality. Common in phrases like 表面だけ (only on the surface).
彼の優しさは表面だけかもしれない。
His kindness might be only on the surface.
表面は平気そうに見えても、内心は傷ついている。
Even if he looks fine on the surface, he is hurt inside.
The surface of the car got scratched.
Snow covered the surface of the ground.
Oil is floating on the surface of the water.
On the surface the two of them get along, but in reality they don't.
That was only a superficial smile.
表面 is a general, neutral word for the outer surface of anything, while 肌 specifically evokes the tactile grain or texture of a material.
表面 is the technical or scientific term for a 'surface', whereas 面（おもて）is a more general word that often just means the front or top side of something.
表面 is a neutral word for the 'surface' of any object, whereas 地肌 specifically points to the natural, uncovered texture or grain of that surface.
表面 is the standard modern word for the outer surface of something, while 面 in this sense is more limited and usually appears inside compounds like 上っ面.
表面 is the common word for the physical surface of an object, while 面 is used more in technical, geometric, or abstract contexts (e.g. a mathematical plane or an 'aspect' of something).
本質 is the true, underlying nature of something, opposed to 表面, which is the superficial appearance that may mask it.
表面 is a plain noun meaning 'surface/outward appearance', while 表立って is an adverbial expression describing the manner of an action being public.
body surface
ground surface; earth's surface