面

[eeky]

When 面 is a standalone character meaning "surface" or "face", how do we know whether to pronounce it おもて or めん?

 

[Toritoribe]

おもて is mainly for "face". おもて as "surface" is often used in literary expression, e.g., 月が海の面を照らす. 表面 would be more common for that meaning.

 

[eeky]

おもて is mainly for "face".

Sorry, I am not certain what distinction you are making. In a general sense, "face" can mean more or less the same as "surface". Do you mean "face" as in a person's face? As a synonym of 顔?

 

[masaegu]

面 is also often read つら to refer to a human face.

 

[eeky]

Is おもて also for a human face? Is that what you mean when you said "おもて is mainly for 'face'."?

 

[Toritoribe]

Yes, I meant so.

 

[eeky]

Somehow I read masaegu's response as from Toritoribe, but never mind, it's explained now. Thanks.