表面 (biǎomiàn) — surface; appearance

表面 (biǎomiàn)

表面 refers to the outer surface of a physical object or, metaphorically, the outward appearance of a situation or person, often implying that the reality beneath may differ.

Meanings

1. [noun] surface; exterior (of a physical object)
2. [noun] outward appearance; superficial aspect

Example Sentences

桌子的表面很光滑。 Zhuōzi de biǎomiàn hěn guānghuá. The surface of the table is very smooth.

不要只看表面，要深入了解问题的本质。 Bùyào zhǐ kàn biǎomiàn, yào shēnrù liǎojiě wèntí de běnzhì. Do not just look at the surface; you need to understand the essence of the problem deeply.

他表面上很平静，内心却十分紧张。 Tā biǎomiàn shàng hěn píngjìng, nèixīn què shífēn jǐnzhāng. On the surface he appears very calm, but inwardly he is extremely nervous.

这种涂料可以保护金属表面不生锈。 Zhè zhǒng túliào kěyǐ bǎohù jīnshǔ biǎomiàn bù shēng xiù. This coating can protect metal surfaces from rusting.

两国之间表面上关系和谐，实际矛盾很深。 Liǎng guó zhī jiān biǎomiàn shàng guānxi héxié, shíjì máodùn hěn shēn. On the surface the relationship between the two countries appears harmonious, but the underlying contradictions are deep.

她用笑容掩盖了表面之下的痛苦。 Tā yòng xiàoróng yǎngài le biǎomiàn zhī xià de tòngkǔ. She used her smile to cover the pain hidden beneath the surface.

Collocations

Usage Notes

表面 is used both literally (physical surfaces in science, engineering, and everyday description) and figuratively (the outward appearance of a person, relationship, or situation). The phrase 表面上 (biǎomiàn shàng) is an adverb meaning "on the surface / superficially," and is commonly paired with 实际上 (shíjì shàng, in reality) to highlight contrast.

At B2 level, the figurative use is particularly important for reading news analysis and opinion pieces where authors contrast surface appearances with underlying realities.

Memory Hook

表 (to show/surface) + 面 (face/side): the face that shows outward -- just the surface, not the whole truth.