表（ひょう、hyou）
- chart / table

The Japanese word 表 (ひょう) has several meanings, primarily revolving around the concepts of "surface," "table," "list," "chart," "face," and "to express/show." Its specific meaning depends heavily on the context in which it's used. The kanji 表 itself suggests the idea of something being visible or on the outside. It can refer to the visible side of an object, a list of information, or an expression of something. The meaning of 表 can change quite drastically, so understanding the context is key.

⚫︎ 表面 (ひょうめん) Translation: Surface ⚫︎ 表 (ひょう) Translation: Table ⚫︎ 発表 (はっぴょう) Translation: Presentation / Announcement

⚫︎You'll encounter 表 frequently in various contexts. ⚫︎When referring to a table or chart, it's often used on official documents or in discussions of data. ⚫︎The word is essential for talking about appearances, presentations, and lists. ⚫︎ Pay close attention to the surrounding words and phrases to determine the specific meaning of 表. ⚫︎ It is important to remember 表can also be used to show, and/or express something

⚫︎ This word is typically written as 表 in kanji. ⚫︎The reading is ひょう (hyō). ⚫︎Hiragana is used to write the reading, but the Kanji 表 is the more common way to write it. ⚫︎ There are no variations in okurigana for this particular word when used in the common meanings.

⚫︎ 表面 (ひょうめん): Surface ⚫︎ リスト: List (katakana, from English) ⚫︎ 一覧 (いちらん): List / Overview ⚫︎ 顔 (かお): Face (when referring to the face of a person) ⚫︎ 見た目 (みため): Appearance

⚫︎ 裏 (うら): Back / Reverse side ⚫︎ 内側 (うちがわ): Inside ⚫︎ 中 (なか): Inside / Middle

この書類 (しょるい) は 表 (おもて) と 裏 (うら) が あります。 ・Translation: This document has a front and a back. ・Explanation: In this case, 表 refers to the front side of the document, showing the visible surface.

試験 (しけん) の 結果 (けっか) は 表 (ひょう) に まとめられています。 ・Translation: The test results are summarized in a table. ・Explanation: Here, 表means table or chart, indicating a structured presentation of the results.

⚫︎ The kanji 表 combines the components of 木 (ki - tree/wood) and 衣 (koromo - clothes/garment). ⚫︎ Originally, it meant "the outer garment" or "the visible part." ⚫︎ This explains the word's association with surface, the visible side, and appearance.