面
The 面 radical
Face, surface
Memory hook
A face with an eye in the middle and the outline of the head around it: 面子 (face, prestige), 见面 (to meet), 方面 (aspect).
The 面 radical (read miàn) means face, surface. The HSK 3.0 data contains 1 characters and 63 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 面 radical
Study this radical's 63 words with flashcards or a quiz.
The free plan drills 15 words per radical. Upgrade to Premium
Characters with the 面 radical
1 charactersHSK 1· 1 characters
HSK 1面
face
Vocabulary with the 面 radical
63 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 面 radical, ordered by HSK level.
The free plan shows 9 words per HSK level (42/63 words of this radical).
to meet; to meet face to face
bread
noodles
opposite; across from
instant noodles
aspect; respect; side
surface
noodles
in front of; before
on one hand; on the one side (used to list different aspects of an issue)
above; on top; on
below; underneath
comprehensive; all-around
front; in front; ahead
on the other hand; from another angle
behind; the back; the rear
outside; the outside
surface; appearance
the ground
one-sided
to face, to confront
interview
scene, situation
situation
frame, scene
face, social standing
appearance, looks
to appear in person, to step forward oneself
many aspects, many sides
aspect, level, dimension
on the surface, seemingly on the outside
to face toward, to be oriented to
face-to-face, in person
one side, one aspect
written, in written form
to meet, to have a meeting
decent, dignified, presentable
side, flank
unilateral, one-sided (referring to an action carried out by one party without the other party's consent or participation)
reverse side, back side
all directions, everywhere
large area, wide scope
Why learn vocabulary by the 面 radical?
The 面 radical hints at the meaning face, surface. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 1 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 63 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.