Meaning
This is one of the most versatile characters in Chinese, with meanings ranging from the physical face to noodles to abstract concepts like surface or aspect. The character originally depicted a face in profile. In modern usage, it commonly refers to wheat noodles or flour, as well as face/surface in both literal and figurative senses.
Usage
When meaning 'face' (facial features or reputation), it often appears in compounds like 脸面 or 面子. When meaning 'noodles', it's typically used alone or in dishes like 拉面 (pulled noodles). Native speakers use 面 in idioms about reputation and social standing, making it culturally significant beyond its literal meanings.
Examples
- 01我想吃一碗牛肉面。.I want to eat a bowl of beef noodles.
- 02这件事你应该当面跟他说。.You should tell him about this matter face to face.
Measure words
- 碗一碗面
- 张一张面
Common collocations
- 面条noodles
- 面包bread
- 当面face to face, in person
- 见面to meet
Origin
The traditional form 麵 (for noodles/flour) contains the wheat radical 麥, while 面 originally depicted a face. In simplified Chinese, 面 represents both meanings.