面|おもてomote[3]odaka (tail-high)

1. nounface
2. nounsurface
3. nounmask (esp. a noh or kyogen mask)

• Synonym顔かおNeutralThe everyday default for the face; 「面（おもて）」 is a literary, old-fashioned alternative that also means a noh mask.
• SynonymフェイスNeutralLoanword for the face, seen mostly in product names like 「フェイスタオル」.
• Synonym顔つきかおつきNeutralRefers to the look or expression on a face, as in 「真剣な顔つき」; leans toward how the face appears rather than the face itself.
• Synonym表面ひょうめんNeutralAlso written 「表面」; matches 「面」 for the front or surface of an object, but never refers to a human face.
• Synonym面差しおもざしWrittenWritten style for facial features or looks, as in 「母の面差し」; leans toward characteristic appearance.
• Synonym相好そうごうWrittenWritten word for a face, originally the features of a Buddha; today kept in set phrases like 「相好を崩す」 (break into a smile). For the face itself, say 「顔」.
• Synonym面貌めんぼうWrittenWritten word for the looks or features of a face; leans toward written description.
• Related面持ちおももちWrittenWritten word for the expression on a face, as in 「緊張した面持ち」; leans toward the mood it conveys.
• Related外面がいめんWrittenWritten word; as 「がいめん」 it is the outer surface of an object, as 「そとづら」 the manner one shows to others.
• Related外側そとがわNeutralThe outer side of something, as in 「箱の外側」; leans toward position rather than a surface.
• Related外そとNeutralThe outside, as in 「外に出る」; leans toward spatial position rather than a surface.
• Related表情ひょうじょうNeutralThe facial expression, as in 「表情が豊か」; leans toward the emotions showing on the face.
• Related側面そくめんNeutralA side of an object, or one aspect of a matter; points to a single facet, not the face.
• Related様相ようそうWrittenWritten word for the look or state of a situation, as in 「戦争の様相」; leans toward how things stand, not a face.
• Related仮面かめんNeutralA mask or a disguise, as in 「仮面をかぶる」; leans toward the object that hides the face.
• Relatedオモテ面おもてめんNeutralThe front side of paper, coins and the like; concerns which side of an object faces out, never a human face.
• Related上っ面うわっつらCasualColloquial for a surface or superficial exterior, as in 「上っ面だけの話」; carries a dismissive nuance.
• Related上面うわつらWrittenWritten word for the surface or outward appearance; close in feel to 「上っ面」.
• AntonymうちNeutralThe inside or interior; the opposite of 「面」 in the surface-versus-inside sense.
• Antonym裏うらNeutralAlso written 「裏」; like 「内」, it stands opposite to 「面」 in the surface-versus-inside sense.
• Antonym背面はいめんWrittenWritten word for the back or reverse side; the opposite of 「面」 as the front.

「面」 read 「おもて」 is a literary word for the face, a surface, or a noh mask, as in 「面を上げる」. In everyday speech say 「顔」 for the face, 「表情」 for expressions and 「仮面」 for masks. For the front or surface of an object, 「オモテ面」 (also 「表面」) matches 「面」 but never refers to a face. The written set 「面差し」, 「面持ち」, 「面貌」 and 「様相」 covers looks, expressions and states of affairs, while 「上っ面」 is a colloquial, slightly dismissive word for superficial appearances. The opposites are 「内」 and 「背面」.

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

1. （め↗ん）表情ひょうじょうを隠かくす、頭部とうぶを守まもるなどの目的もくてきで顔かおを覆おおうもの。
2. （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。
3. 名誉めいよ。
4. 相手あいて自身じしん。