Translation and Meaning of: 面する - mensuru

The Japanese word 「面する」 (mensuru) is composed of two kanji: 「面」 (men) and 「する」 (suru). The kanji 「面」 has several meanings, including "face," "surface," and "aspect." This kanji often refers to an external part or the frontal area of something. The component 「する」 is an auxiliary verb that means "to do" or "to become," common in the Japanese language for transforming nouns into verbs. Therefore, the expression 「面する」 can be understood as "to confront," "to face," or "to be oriented towards."

Etymologically, 「面」 (men) derives from ancient Chinese characters that conveyed the idea of something related to the human face or the facade of an object. This kanji is used in various Japanese words that deal with the idea of frontal contact or exposed surfaces. The combination with 「する」 creates a verb that provides an action or state, often indicating the orientation or positioning facing something, like a building that "faces" a plaza.

The use of 「面する」often occurs in contexts where location or orientation is essential. This expression can be applied, for example, in geographic or architectural descriptions, indicating, for instance, a building that "faces" the sea or a window that is oriented towards the rising sun. This type of use reveals the importance of orientation and perspective in Japanese culture, where the positioning and arrangement of spaces can have functional and symbolic meanings.

Moreover, 「面する」 can appear in more abstract discussions, such as when someone faces a challenge or a complex situation. This figurative use shows how language can transcend the physical and enter the realm of the emotional or intellectual, illustrating the direct confrontation with an issue, problem, or situation.

In summary, the expression 「面する」 (mensuru) is rich in meanings and applications, reflecting both physical and conceptual contexts. Its etymology and diverse uses highlight the depth and versatility of the Japanese language in expressing orientations, both in physical space and in figurative encounters with challenges or issues.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 面する

• 面する
• 面します formal present form
• 面している Present Continuous Tense
• 面した past form
• 面しますように imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 向かう (Muku) - Head towards; go towards something.
• 向く (Muku) - To turn; to be directed towards.
• 向ける (Mukeru) - Direct; to make something aimed at.
• 直面する (Chokumen suru) - Face; to stand in front of a situation or problem.

面する

Romaji: mensuru
Kana: めんする
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: To face; to look at

Meaning in English: to face on;to look out on to

Definition: Directed to. Face.

Example Sentences - (面する) mensuru

See below some example sentences:

直面することは恐れる必要はありません。

Chokumen suru koto wa osoreru hitsuyō wa arimasen

You don't have to be afraid to face it.

• 直面する - face
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 恐れる - fear
• 必要 - necessary
• は - Topic particle
• ありません - negation of "being"

私たちの家は公園に面しています。

Watashitachi no ie wa kōen ni menshite imasu

Our house faces the park.

Our house faces the park.

• 私たちの - 私たち
• 家 - "house" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 公園 - "parque" in Japanese
• に - Location particle in Japanese
• 面しています - "facing" in Japanese