1.
front, surface
The outer or visible side of something.
紙の表に書いてください。
Please write on the front side of the paper.
表と裏を間違えた。
I mixed up the front and back.
封筒の表に名前を書いた。
I wrote the name on the front of the envelope.
2.
outside, the open
The outdoors; the public space outside.
表に出ましょう。
Let's go outside.
子供たちが表で遊んでいる。
The children are playing outside.
表は雨が降っている。
It's raining outside.
3.
public appearance, facade
The outward appearance shown to others.
表向きは元気そうだ。
On the surface, he seems fine.
表の顔と裏の顔がある。
He has a public face and a private face.
この話は表に出せない。
This story can't be made public.
表 means 'front,' 'surface,' or 'outside,' contrasting with 裏 (back).
Common expressions:
- 表と裏: front and back, both sides
- 表に出る: to go outside; to become public
- 表向き: ostensible, on the surface
- 表通り: main street
Figurative usage:
- 表の顔: public face
- 表に出す: to reveal, to make public
Note: Also read as ひょう in compounds like 表 (table/chart) or 発表 (announcement).
Related Words
See also:
裏