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 encompass 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 terms 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 terms 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

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.

Example Sentences - (表) omote

See below some example sentences:

この図表は非常に分かりやすいです。

Kono zuhyou wa hijou ni wakariyasui desu

This table is very easy to understand.

This chart is very easy to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 図表 - noun "chart, table"
• は - Topic particle
• 非常に - adverb "very"
• 分かりやすい - adjective "easy to understand"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form

この情報はまだ公表されていません。

Kono jōhō wa mada kōhyō sarete imasen

This information has not yet been publicly released.

This information has not yet been released.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 情報 - noun meaning "information"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the information is the subject of the sentence
• まだ - adverb meaning "yet"
• 公表 - noun that means "public disclosure"
• されていません - negative form of the verb "する" (to do) in the passive and polite form, indicating that public disclosure has not yet been made

この声明は真実を伝えるために発表されました。

Kono seimei wa shinjitsu o tsutaeru tame ni happyō sa remashita

This statement was released to convey the truth.

This statement was announced to convey the truth.

• この声明 - this declaration
• は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 真実 - truth
• を - particle that indicates the direct object
• 伝える - transmit
• ために - for
• 発表されました - was announced

ヤングは若い人たちを表します。

Yangu wa wakai hitotachi wo hyō shimasu

Young represents young people.

• ヤング - Japanese word meaning "young"
• は - particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 若い - Japanese adjective meaning "young"
• 人たち - suffix in Japanese that indicates plurality, meaning "people"
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese.
• 表します - Japanese verb meaning "represents"

五十音は日本語の基本的な音の組み合わせを表します。

Gojūon wa nihongo no kihonteki na oto no kumiawase o hyō shimasu

The 1950s indicate the basic combination of the Japanese sound.

• 五十音 - means "fifty sounds" and refers to the set of Japanese characters used to represent sounds and syllables.
• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• 基本的な - means "basic" or "fundamental".
• 音 - means "sound" or "musical note".
• 組み合わせ - means "combination" or "arrangement".
• 表します - means "represents" or "shows".

今日の会議で私は発表をする予定です。

Kyou no kaigi de watashi wa happyou wo suru yotei desu

I intend to give a presentation at today's meeting.

• 今日の会議で - In today's meeting
• 私は - I
• 発表をする - Make a presentation
• 予定です - Planned

俳句は季節感を表現する素晴らしい詩形です。

Haiku wa kisetsukan wo hyōgen suru subarashii shikei desu

Haiku is a wonderful poetic form that expresses the feeling of the season.

Haiku is wonderful poetry that expresses the seasonal feeling.

• 俳句 - Japanese three-line poem
• 季節感 - feeling of the season
• 表現 - expression
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• 詩形 - poetic form

分散はデータのばらつきを表す重要な指標です。

Bunsan wa data no baratsuki wo hyōsu suru jūyōna shihyō desu

Distributed is an important indicator for data variation.

• 分散 (bunsan) - variance
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• データ (deeta) - data
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• ばらつき (baratsuki) - dispersion
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 表す (arawasu) - represent
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 指標 (shihyou) - indicator
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

墜落した飛行機の犠牲者に哀悼の意を表します。

Tsuiraku shita hikouki no giseisha ni aidou no i wo hyou shimasu

We express our condolences to the victims of the crashed plane.

Express the condolences to the victims of the rugged plane.

• 墜落した飛行機 - plane crash
• の - Possession particle
• 犠牲者 - victims
• に - target particle
• 哀悼の意を表します - we express our condolences

彼女の表情はとても穏やかだ。

Kanojo no hyōjō wa totemo odayaka da

Your expression is very calm.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she/girlfriend
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 表情 (hyoujou) - Expressão facial
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 穏やか (odayaka) - calm/serene
• だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present