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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 面 (miàn) to express a side or aspect

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Number + 面 + Noun

    Explanation

    面 (miàn) means "side," "surface," or "aspect" and is used as a measure word or noun. It can refer to a physical face or surface of an object, and also serves as a measure word for flat objects like flags or mirrors.

    Examples

    • 这面墙需要重新刷一下漆。

      Zhè miàn qiáng xūyào chóngxīn shuā yīxià qī.

      This wall needs a fresh coat of paint.

    • 问题有很多面，我们不能只看一面。

      Wèntí yǒu hěn duō miàn, wǒmen bù néng zhǐ kàn yī miàn.

      Problems have many sides; we can't just look at one side.

    • 广场上挂着一面很大的国旗。

      Guǎngchǎng shàng guàzhe yī miàn hěn dà de guóqí.

      A very large national flag is hanging in the square.

    Similar Grammar

    Using 面 (miàn) to express a side or aspect | Chinese Grammar