一面

yīmiàn

HSK 7

一面 — yīmiàn

1. one side; one face or surface of something

   纸的一面是白色的，另一面有字。 zhǐ de yímiàn shì báisè de lìngyímiàn yǒu zì — One side of the paper is white; the other side has writing.

2. one aspect; one perspective; a facet of a matter

   从经济一面看这个政策有利，从民生一面看还有不足。 cóng jīngjì yímiàn kàn zhège zhèngcè yǒulì cóng mínshēng yímiàn kàn háiyǒu bùzú — From the economic side this policy is beneficial; from the livelihood side there are still shortcomings.

3. indicates two simultaneous actions: 'while', 'at the same time' (pattern 一面...一面... or 一面...)

   他一面听音乐，一面做作业。 tā yímiàn tīng yīnyuè yímiàn zuòzuòyè — He listens to music while doing homework.

4. one's whole face (archaic/rare usage)

   听到噩耗，他一面惨白如纸。 tīngdào èhào tā yímiàn cǎnbái rú zhǐ — On hearing the terrible news, his whole face turned ghastly pale.