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noun / location word HSK 2
Traditional 對面
duì miàn
opposite side · across from · facing

Meaning

对面 is a location word meaning the opposite side or the area directly facing something. It's commonly used to describe spatial relationships, such as buildings, people, or objects positioned directly across from each other.

Usage

Native speakers use 对面 frequently in everyday conversation to give directions or describe locations. It can be used alone as a noun or with 的 (de) before another noun. Common patterns include '在...对面' (on the opposite side of...) and '对面的...' (the... opposite/across from here).

Examples

  1. 01
    银行在邮局的对面。
    Yínháng zài yóujú de duì miàn.
    The bank is across from the post office.
  2. 02
    他坐在我对面看着我。
    Tā zuò zài wǒ duì miàn kàn zhe wǒ.
    He sat opposite me looking at me.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 在对面
    zài duì miàn
    on the opposite side
  • 对面的
    duì miàn de
    the one opposite
  • 马路对面
    mǎ lù duì miàn
    across the street
  • 坐在对面
    zuò zài duì miàn
    sit opposite

Origin

The word combines 对 (facing/opposite) with 面 (face/side) to literally mean 'the facing side' or 'opposite surface,' creating a clear spatial indicator.

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