(めん)

めん
noun, suffix
aspect; side; surface
See also: (めん)する (verb form)
1. aspect; side
A particular part or feature of something, often used to discuss different perspectives or characteristics.
プラス(めん)もある。
There are also positive aspects.
マイナス(めん)(かんが)える。
To consider the negative aspects.
経済(けいざい)(めん)では問題(もんだい)がある。
There are problems in terms of the economy.
2. surface; face
The outer part or exterior of something.

(めん) has two main uses: as a noun meaning "surface" or "face," and as a suffix meaning "aspect" or "in terms of."

AS A SUFFIX ("aspect"):

This is the most common usage. It attaches to nouns to mean "in terms of" or "regarding."

  • 精神(せいしん)(めん): mental aspect
  • 経済(けいざい)(めん): economic aspect
  • 安全(あんぜん)(めん): safety aspect
  • 健康(けんこう)(めん): health aspect
  • プラス(めん): positive side
  • マイナス(めん): negative side

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • (めん)では: in terms of ~
  • 〜の(めん)から()ると: looking at it from the ~ perspective
  • (めん)(すぐ)れている: to excel in the ~ aspect
  • あらゆる(めん)で: in every respect

AS A NOUN ("surface"):

  • 表面(ひょうめん): surface
  • 路面(ろめん): road surface
  • 水面(すいめん): water surface