Japanese word

両面

Pronunciation

Romajiryōmen

Meaning

  • nounboth sides

Example

紙の両面に絵を描きます。kami no ryō men ni e o ega ki ma su

I draw pictures on both sides of the paper.

Illustration for 両面 (both sides)

More examples

このプリンターは両面に印刷できます。ko no pu ri n tā wa ryō men ni in satsu de ki ma su

This printer can print on both sides.

Core concept

Treats one object as having two corresponding sides rather than focusing on only one surface.

Common phrases

  • 紙の両面kami no ryō men

    both sides of the paper

  • 両面に印刷するryō men ni in satsu su ru

    print on both sides

  • 両面を使うryō men o tsuka u

    use both sides

Similar words

表裏hyōri: The front and back of an object, or two contrasting aspects of an issue.
裏表uraomote: The two opposite sides or aspects of something, often viewed as a contrast.

Definition in Japanese

一つの物にある、表と裏の二つの面。hito tsu no mono ni a ru hyō to ura no futa tsu no men

Word origin

両 (ryō, "both") modifies 面 (men, "side or surface") in the compound 両面 (ryōmen), so the word joins the ideas of two and side.

Usage tips

  • In discussions, 両面 (ryōmen) can refer to the two sides of an issue, extending the word beyond the front and back of a physical object.

Other meanings

  • double-sidednoun

Opposites

  • 片面katamenone sidenoun

Related words

  • 両面性ryōmenseitwo-sidednessnoun

Word lists with this word