内面(ないめん)

ないめん
noun
inner side, inner feelings
emotion
1. inner feelings, inner self, psychological interior
A person's inner thoughts, emotions, and psychological state, as opposed to their outward appearance or behavior.
内面(ないめん)を磨(みが)く。
Cultivate one's inner self.
外見(がいけん)だけでなく内面(ないめん)も大切(たいせつ)だ。
Not just appearance but inner qualities are also important.
この小説(しょうせつ)は主人公(しゅじんこう)の内面(ないめん)を深(ふか)く描(えが)いている。
This novel deeply portrays the protagonist's inner world.
2. inner surface, inside
The interior surface or inside of a physical object.
パイプの内面(ないめん)を清掃(せいそう)する。
Clean the inner surface of the pipe.
壁(かべ)の内面(ないめん)に断熱材(だんねつざい)を入(い)れる。
Insert insulation material on the inner surface of the wall.
ヘルメットの内面(ないめん)にクッションが付(つ)いている。
There is cushioning on the inside of the helmet.

Sense 1 is far more common in everyday usage. Often contrasted with 外見(がいけん) (outward appearance) or 外面(がいめん) (exterior).

Common collocations

  • 内面(ないめん)を磨(みが)く (polish one's inner self, cultivate character)
  • 内面(ないめん)の美(うつく)しさ (inner beauty)
  • 内面(ないめん)的(てき) (internal, psychological)
  • 内面(ないめん)描写(びょうしゃ) (depiction of inner feelings)

Similar words

  • 内面(ないめん): inner side / inner self (broad — physical or psychological)
  • 内心(ないしん): one's true feelings (always psychological, often hidden)
  • 外面(がいめん): exterior, outward appearance

Related Words

Antonym: 外面(がいめん) (exterior, outward appearance)
Antonym: 外見(がいけん) (outward appearance)
Compare: 内心(ないしん) (one's true feelings)
general
Added 2026.2.18 5:26 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
11500/11689_naimen