面
also: おも · も · もて
Meanings
1
Refers to the front of the head, facial expression, or metaphorical face (e.g., honor, reputation).
He blushed.
I wash my face and then eat breakfast.
2
The outer or top side of an object, or the face of a flat thing like a coin or card.
Please wipe the surface of the desk clean.
There is a cherry blossom design on the face of the coin.
3
Only with reading おもて / もて
Specifically a mask used in traditional Japanese theater like noh or kyogen. Restricted to readings おもて and the obsolete もて.
Noh performers wear masks when they act.
This mask is from the Edo period.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に面と向かって言うto say something to someone's face
I complained to his face.
- 面を打つto carve a Noh mask
The craftsman carefully carved the Noh mask.
- 〈場所〉の面に〈物〉が映るfor something to be reflected on the surface of a place
The moon was reflected on the surface of the pond.
- 面を上げるto raise one's face/head (esp. in a formal or reverent context)
"Raise your head," the shogun said.