Chinese word

反面

Pronunciation

Pinyinfǎn miàn

Meaning

  • nounback

Example

照片的反面写着名字。zhào piān de fǎn miàn xiě zhe míng zì

The name is written on the back of the photo.

Illustration for 反面 (back)

More examples

这项改革从反面来看也可能带来社会问题。zhè xiàng gǎi gé cóng fǎn miàn lái kàn yě kě néng dài lái shè huì wèn tí

On the other hand, this reform may also cause social problems.

Core concept

The contrasting side of something, viewed as the surface, position, or consequence that stands against the one already in focus.

Common phrases

  • 从反面来看cóng fǎn miàn lái kàn

    on the other hand

  • 反面影响fǎn miàn yíng xiǎng

    negative impact

  • 反面教材fǎn miàn jiào cái

    bad example

Similar words

背面bèi miàn: The surface on the rear of an object.
另一面lìng yí miàn: A different side or aspect of the same object or matter.

Definition in Chinese

表示与所述情况相对或相反的一面、观点或情况，用于引出对比或转折。biǎo shì yǔ suǒ shù qíng kuàng xiāng duì huò xiāng fǎn de yí miàn guān diǎn huò qíng kuàng yòng yú yǐn chū duì bǐ huò zhuǎn zhé

Word origin

The compound 反 (fǎn, "opposite") + 面 (miàn, "face") first points to the face opposite the main one and then extends naturally to an opposing or unfavorable aspect.

Usage tips

  • In everyday discussion, 反面 (fǎnmiàn, "opposite side") can refer to the unfavorable result or viewpoint connected with a situation, not only to a physical surface.

Other meanings

  • sidenoun
  • downsidenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 反面教材fǎn miàn jiào cáibad examplenoun

Word lists with this word