Translation and Meaning of: 表 - omote

The Japanese word 表[おもて] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and various uses in daily life in Japan. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how to apply it in sentences, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. Additionally, we will dive into cultural aspects and tips for memorizing this word, always based on reliable sources.

Whether for Japanese language students or those curious about the language, understanding 表[おもて] goes beyond simple translation. It is linked to concepts such as "surface," "front," and even the idea of "appearance" in certain contexts. Here, you will discover how this word is used in Japan, its frequency in the language, and even examples that can aid in your learning.

Meaning and uses of 表 [おもて]

The term 表[おもて] can be translated as "front," "surface," or "external part," depending on the context. It is often used to refer to the visible or main side of something, such as the cover of a book (本の表) or the facade of a building. In contrast, its opposite, 裏[うら], means "back" or "reverse side."

In addition to the physical meaning, 表 also appears in expressions that involve appearance or public image. For example, 表向き[おもてむき] can mean "officially" or "for the public," highlighting the duality between what is shown and what is hidden. This nuance is important for understanding communication in Japan, where the distinction between public and private is valued.

Origin and writing of the kanji 表

The kanji 表 is composed of the radicals 衣 (clothes) and 毛 (hair), suggesting an idea of "cover" or "coating." According to the Kangorin dictionary, its original meaning is related to the outer part of something, such as the surface of a fabric. Over time, it has come to encom more abstract concepts, such as "to express" or "to manifest."

In writing, it is important to note that 表 can also be read as ひょう in compounds, such as 代表[だいひょう] (representative). This reading variation is common in kanji and reinforces the need to study the context to avoid mistakes. To memorize, a tip is to associate the radical 衣 with something that "covers" or "shows," like clothing that covers a surface.

The表[おもて] in Japanese culture

In Japan, the word 表 is closely tied to the concept of おもてなし (omotenashi), the famous Japanese hospitality that means "caring for others without ulterior motives." Here, 表 represents sincerity and the attention given to the outside, that is, to the guest. This usage reflects how the language connects concrete to cultural values.

Another interesting example is the use of 表 in public events. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the expression 表の顔[おもてのかお] (public face) was often used to describe the image that the country wanted to convey to the world. This shows how the word goes beyond the literal, entering the realm of collective identity.

Tips for learning and using 表[おもて]

To solidify the meaning of 表, one strategy is to create visual associations. Think of something with two distinct sides, like a coin: 表 would be the "heads" side, while 裏 would be the "tails" side. This mental image helps to differentiate the in real-life situations, such as when describing objects or places.

Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as 表に出る [おもてにでる] (to go out into the street/to appear in public) or 表通り [おもてどおり] (main street). Hearing these expressions in dramas or animes also reinforces learning, as the brain associates the word with real contexts. Suki Nihongo, as one of the best online dictionaries, can be an ally in this search for authentic examples.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

表面 (Hyomen) - superfície
表示 (Hyouji) - exhibition
表彰 (Hyou shou) - recognition
表現 (Hyougen) - expression
表情 (Hyoujou) - Expressão facial
表紙 (Hyoushi) - Cover (of a book)
表示板 (Hyouji ban) - Display board
表示器 (Hyoujiki) - Display device
表示装置 (Hyouji souji) - Display equipment
表示画面 (Hyouji gamen) - Display screen
表示領域 (Hyouji ryouchi) - Display area
表示位置 (Hyouji ichi) - Display position
表示方法 (Hyouji houhou) - Display method
表示範囲 (Hyouji han'i) - Display interval
表示文字 (Hyouji moji) - Display text
表示色 (Hyouji shiki) - Display color
表示速度 (Hyouji supiido) - Display speed
表示精度 (Hyouji seido) - Display accuracy
表示機能 (Hyouji kinou) - Display function
表示モード (Hyouji mo-do) - Display mode
表示設定 (Hyouji settei) - Display settings
表示デバイス (Hyouji debaisu) - Display device
表示回路 (Hyouji ka circuit) - Display circuit
表示器具 (Hyouji kigu) - Display instrument
表示器面 (Hyoujiki men) - Display device surface
表示器部 (Hyoujiki bu) - Part of the display device
表示器系 (Hyoujiki kei) - Display device system
表示器用 (Hyoujiki you) - Used for display device
表示器制御 (Hyoujiki seigyo) - Display device control
表示器表示 (Hyoujiki hyouji) - Display device display
表示器表示部 (Hyoujiki hyouji bu) - Part of the display of the display device
表示器表示画面 (Hyoujiki hyouji gamen) - Display screen of the display device
表示器表示領域 (Hyoujiki hyouji ryouchi) - Display area of the display device

Related words

表す

arawasu

express; Show; to reveal

表情

hyoujyou

Expressão facial

表面

hyoumen

surface; outside; face; appearance

表現

hyougen

expression; presentation; representation (mathematics)

表紙

hyoushi

cover; binding

発表

hapyou

announcement; publication

代表

daihyou

representative; representation; delegation; type; example; model

図表

zuhyou

graphic; diagram.

時刻表

jikokuhyou

table; diagram; graphic; time; timeline

公表

kouhyou

official announcement; proclamation

表

Romaji: omote
Kana: おもて
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: surface; front; right side; face; outside; outside; the street; carpet covers; head (of a coin); first half (of an entry)

Meaning in English: surface;front;right side;face;exterior;outside;the street;mat covers;head (of a coin);first half (of an innings)

Definition: To represent things or ideas in words or diagrams.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (表) omote

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (表) omote:

Example Sentences - (表) omote

See below some example sentences:

一言では言い表せない。

Hitokoto de wa iiarawasenai.

It can't be expressed in a single word.

It's hard to put into words.

一言 (ひとこと) - One word, short expression
and - Particle that indicates the means or manner in which something is done
は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence
言い表せない (いいあらわせない) - It can't be expressed, it can't be described

厭々とした表情をしている。

Iyaiya to shita hyōjō o shite iru

They have a grumpy expression.

She has a bad expression.

厭々とした - means "bored" or "bored".
表情 - means "facial expression".
をしている - is a particle that indicates action in progress, i.e. "is doing".

愛憎は表裏一体だ。

Aizou wa hyouri ittai da

Love and hate are the same currency.

愛憎 - Love and hate
は - connecting particle
表裏 - front and back
一体 - unity, integrity
だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

部首は漢字の構成要素を表します。

Bushu wa kanji no kōsei yōso o hyō shimasu

Bushu represents the structural elements of kanji.

The radical represents the components of Kanji.

部首 - means "radical" in Japanese and is used to classify kanji (Japanese ideograms) according to their features and components.
は - topic marking particle, which indicates that what comes next is the subject of the sentence.
漢字 - means "Chinese characters" and refers to the ideograms that were imported from China and adapted into the Japanese language.
の - possession particle, which indicates that what follows is the possessor or constituent of the object.
構成要素 - means "constituent elements" and refers to the strokes and components that make up kanji.
を - direct object particle, which indicates that what follows is the direct object of the sentence.
表します - means "represents" and is the verb that indicates the action that the radicals perform when composing the kanji.

議員は国民の代表である。

Gin'in wa kokumin no daihyō de aru

of parliament are representatives of the people.

Parliament is a representative of the people.

議員 - means "member of parliament" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
国民 - It means "people" or "citizens" in Japanese.
の - Possession particle in Japanese
代表 - means "representative" in Japanese
である - formal way of saying "to be" in Japanese

表面が滑らかです。

Hyōmen ga subarashii desu

The surface is smooth.

表面 (hyōmen) - superfície
が (ga) - subject particle
滑らか (nameraka) - soft, smooth, sliding
です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

植物は自然の美しさを表現する。

Shokubutsu wa shizen no utsukushisa o hyōgen suru

Plants express the beauty of nature.

植物 (shokubutsu) - plant
は (wa) - Topic particle
自然 (shizen) - nature
の (no) - Possession particle
美しさ (utsukushisa) - beauty
を (wo) - direct object particle
表現する (hyougen suru) - express

創作は自由な表現です。

Sousaku wa jiyuu na hyougen desu

Creation is a free expression.

Creation is a freedom of expression.

創作 (sousaku) - Creation, production
は (wa) - Topic particle
自由 (jiyuu) - Freedom
な (na) - Particle that emphasizes the adjective that comes before.
表現 (hyougen) - Expression, representation
です (desu) - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"

この本の表紙は美しいです。

Kono hon no hyōshi wa utsukushii desu

The cover of this book is beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
本 - noun meaning "book"
の - particle that indicates ownership, in this case, "of the book"
表紙 - noun meaning "cover (of a book)"
は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the cover"
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject, in this case, "is"