1.
water surface, surface of the water
The top layer or surface of a body of water.
魚が水面に浮かんできた。
A fish came up to the surface of the water.
風で水面が波立っている。
The water surface is rippling in the wind.
水面に月が映っていた。
The moon was reflected on the water surface.
水面 refers to the surface of any body of water—lakes, rivers, oceans, pools, etc.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 水面に浮かぶ: to float on the water surface
- 水面に映る: to be reflected on the water
- 水面が波立つ: the water surface ripples
- 水面下: below the surface (literally and figuratively)
FIGURATIVE USE:
水面下 (below the surface) is often used to describe hidden activities or negotiations happening behind the scenes.