surface · express

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading of 表 is ひょう, and its kun readings are おもて, あらわす, and あらわれる. It has 8 strokes and relates to an outer surface or the act of showing and expressing.
• Basic usage: 表 is read おもて, and 表す is read あらわす.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 表 and 表す
  • 表 means front or surface.
  • 紙の表に名前を書いてください。 means “Write your name on the front of the paper.”
  • 表す means show or express.
  • 赤い線は気温の変化を表している。 means “The red line shows changes in temperature.”