Japanese Conversation · Level 84
60 words
Japanese word
正面
Pronunciation
Romajishōmen
Meaning
- nounfront
Example
駅の正面に大きな時計があります。eki no shō men ni ō ki na tokei ga a ri ma su
There is a large clock in front of the station.
More examples
写真を撮るときは、建物の正面を向いてください。sha shin o to ru to ki wa tate mono no shō men o mu i te ku da sa i
When taking a picture, please face the front of the building.
Core concept
Describes the side that directly faces the viewer or approach, as in the front of a place or the face of a building.
Common phrases
正面を向くshō men o mu ku
face forward
正面玄関shō men gen kan
front entrance
正面からshō men ka ra
head-on
Similar words
前面zenmen: The side or surface located at the front of a place, building, or object.
表側hyōsoku: The side of an object that faces outward and serves as its front.
Definition in Japanese
建物や場所などの、見る人に向いた前側。tate mono ya ba sho na do no mi ru hito ni mu i ta mae gawa
Word origin
The noun 正面 (shōmen) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 正 (shō, "proper") and 面 (men, "face or surface"), giving the sense of a direct-facing side.
Usage tips
- In everyday directions, 正面 (shōmen) often identifies the main side or entrance of a building, so it can describe a facade as well as a front position.