This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

素面

Reading

Kana: すめん
Romaji: sumen
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

not wearing a mask (in kendo, noh, etc.)

2

sober face

See also: 素面 (reading しらふ, entry #2)
3

sobriety

See also: 素面 (reading しらふ, entry #1)
4

face with no make-up; unpainted face

Note: archaism
See also: 素顔 (reading すがお, entry #1)

Kanji

Readings: ソ、 ス、 もと
Meanings: elementary, principle, naked, uncovered
Readings: メン、 ベン、 おも、 おもて、 つら
Meanings: mask, face, features, surface

Example Sentence

あの(とき)素面(しらふ)だったのですか。
➥Were you sober at that time?
Full Entry➤

素面

白面

Reading

Kana: しらふ
Romaji: shirafu
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

sobriety; soberness

Note: word usually written using kana alone
See also: 素面 (reading すめん, entry #3)
2

sober face

See also: 素面 (reading すめん, entry #2)

Kanji

Readings: ソ、 ス、 もと
Meanings: elementary, principle, naked, uncovered
Readings: メン、 ベン、 おも、 おもて、 つら
Meanings: mask, face, features, surface
Readings: ハク、 ビャク、 しろ、 しら-、 しろ.い
Meaning: white

Example Sentence

あの(とき)素面(しらふ)だったのですか。
➥Were you sober at that time?
Full Entry➤