1.
water surface, surface of the water
The top layer or surface of a body of water.
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)
Usage
水面下 (below the surface) is often used to describe hidden activities or negotiations happening behind the scenes.