Translation guide
Describes the two opposite sides of an object, such as a piece of paper, a building, or a coin. Japanese uses different words depending on the object and context.
The learner wants to say 'front and back' for a flat, two-sided item like a sheet of paper, a photograph, or a card.
Common compound meaning 'front and back' or 'both sides' of a flat object. Often used with ～とも (both sides) or in set phrases.
この紙は表裏とも白いです。
This paper is white on both sides.
写真の表裏を確認してください。
Please check the front and back of the photo.
Literally 'front and back', using 表 (front) and 裏 (back) connected with と. Slightly more explicit than 表裏.
名刺の表と裏に印刷する。
Print on the front and back of the business card.
Means 'both sides' and is often used in compounds like 両面印刷 (double-sided printing). More about the two sides as a whole rather than distinguishing front from back.
この書類は両面印刷してください。
Please print this document on both sides.
The learner wants to refer to the front side (facing the street) and the back side (rear) of a building or area.
Uses 表 (front, public side) and 裏 (back, private side). Commonly used for houses, shops, etc.
家の表と裏に庭があります。
There are gardens in the front and back of the house.
正面 (front, facade) and 裏側 (back side). More formal or descriptive.
建物の正面と裏側で雰囲気が違う。
The atmosphere is different between the front and back of the building.
The learner wants to talk about the two sides of a coin (heads and tails) or a medal.
Standard for coins: 表 is 'heads' (obverse), 裏 is 'tails' (reverse).
コインの表と裏を当ててください。
Guess heads or tails of the coin.
The learner wants to refer to the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the human body.
Everyday terms: 前 (front) and 後ろ (back). Used for body directions.
体の前と後ろをストレッチする。
Stretch the front and back of your body.
More technical/anatomical terms: 前面 (anterior) and 背面 (posterior). Used in medical or fitness contexts.
この運動は大腿部の前面と背面を鍛えます。
This exercise trains the front and back of the thighs.
The learner wants to distinguish the front and back of clothing.
Simple and common for clothing: 前 (front) and 後ろ (back).
このセーターは前と後ろが同じデザインです。
This sweater has the same design on the front and back.
Sewing/pattern-making terms: 前身頃 (front bodice/body) and 後ろ身頃 (back bodice/body).
前身頃と後ろ身頃を縫い合わせる。
Sew together the front and back bodice pieces.
表裏 (hyōri) is for flat objects with two distinct sides (paper, coin). 前後 (zengo) means 'front and back' in terms of spatial direction (front side and rear side) and is used for buildings, vehicles, or temporal order. Do not use 表裏 for the front and back of a car; use 前後 (zengo) or 前と後ろ (mae to ushiro).
Directly translating 'front and back' as 前後 (zengo) may imply 'before and after' in time. Use 表と裏 for two-sided objects, and 前と後ろ for spatial front/back of 3D objects.