表 The Front

Meaning

Primary

The Front

Alternative

The Surface

Word Type

independent noun

Explanation

Remember how 表 meant both express and surface? This expands on the second meaning, making this the front or the surface.

表 refers to the visible, outward-facing side of something, in contrast to the hidden, back side. It's used for surfaces on display, like the front of a building, the face of a coin, the cover of a book, or the top surface of a package.

Reading

おもて

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. You haven't learned this reading yet though, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You're standing there, staring at the front of this building. You spend some time gazing at it before you realize what it is. "Oh, motel (おもて)," you say aloud. The surface of this building really gave it away. "Oh, motel!"

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 〜の表

  コインの表

  the face of a coin

  店の表

  a storefront

  家の表

  the front of a house

• 表に〜

  表に出す

  to put something outside, to make something public

  表に出る

  to go outside, to become public

  表にする

  to flip something face up

Context Sentences

この紙の表はピンク色にぬってください。

Please paint the front of this paper pink.

十円玉コインの表はどちらですか？

Which side of a ten yen coin is the front?

コウイチは、トーフグの社長です。表向きは。

Koichi is the president of Tofugu. Officially speaking, anyway.

Kanji Composition

1. 表

   ひょう Express