つら・面・頬tsura[2]odaka (tail-high)

1. nounface; mugoften derog. or vulg.
   蛙かわずの面つらに水みず。↗

   Like water off a duck's back.
2. nounsurface
3. nouncheek meat
4. nouncheek; cheeks
5. nounsurrounding area

• Synonym顔かおNeutralThe most general, everyday word for the face; it also covers 'face' in the sense of honor. 「面（つら）」 is vulgar colloquial with a contemptuous edge, as in 「どの面下げて」.
• SynonymフェイスNeutralA loanword for the face, used mostly in cosmetics and beauty contexts; 「面（つら）」 instead carries a vulgar feel.
• Related顔つきかおつきNeutralRefers to the expression showing on the face and to a person's looks. 「面（つら）」 is coarser, a vulgar word for the face itself.
• Related面持ちおももちWrittenWritten prose, for the expression a face carries, as in 「不安げな—」. 「面（つら）」 is coarser, vulgar colloquial speech.
• Related表情ひょうじょうNeutralA neutral word for the expression on the face, treated fairly objectively. 「面（つら）」 is vulgar and contemptuous.
• Related顔色かおいろNeutralRefers to the complexion, the color and condition of the face. 「面（つら）」 is vulgar and contemptuous.
• Related相好そうごうNeutralMostly seen in the set phrase 「相好を崩す」, 'to break into a broad grin'; 「面（つら）」 is just a vulgar word for the face.
• Related面貌めんぼうWrittenA written-register word for a person's looks or features. 「面（つら）」 is coarser, vulgar colloquial speech.
• Related面差しおもざしWrittenWritten prose, for a person's looks or features. 「面（つら）」 is coarser, vulgar colloquial speech.
• AntonymうちNeutralMeans the inside or interior of something, the opposite of the surface sense of 「面」; it has no direct counterpart to the face sense of 「つら」.
• Antonym裏うらNeutralAlso means the inside of something, the opposite of the surface sense of 「面」; the same idea also appears as 「裏」「中」. No link to the face sense of 「つら」.

Use 「面（つら）」 when you want a crude, contemptuous colloquial word for someone's face, as in 「面構え」 or 「どの面下げて」. For the face in general, say 「顔」; for the expression or look on it, 「顔つき」 or 「表情」; and in cosmetics and beauty contexts, the loanword 「フェイス」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. （め↘ん）平面へいめん。物体ぶったいの表面ひょうめん。厚あつさのない二次元にじげんの広ひろがり。
2. 名誉めいよ。
3. 相手あいて自身じしん。