이면
The hidden side, back side, or underlying reality of a phenomenon that is not immediately visible.
Examples
3 of 5그 정책의 이면에는 정치적 의도가 깔려 있다.
There is a political intention behind that policy.
기술 발전의 이면을 살펴보면 환경 파괴가 심각하다.
Looking at the hidden side of technological progress, environmental destruction is serious.
겉모습만 보지 말고 그 사람의 이면을 봐.
Don't just look at the appearance; look at their inner side.
Word Family
Memory Tip
I (Behind) + Myeon (Face/Surface). The face behind.
Quick Quiz
SNS의 화려한 모습 ( )에는 타인과 비교하며 느끼는 우울감이 존재한다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 이면
Examples
그 정책의 이면에는 정치적 의도가 깔려 있다.
formalThere is a political intention behind that policy.
기술 발전의 이면을 살펴보면 환경 파괴가 심각하다.
academicLooking at the hidden side of technological progress, environmental destruction is serious.
겉모습만 보지 말고 그 사람의 이면을 봐.
informalDon't just look at the appearance; look at their inner side.
계약의 이면 합의는 법적 효력이 없을 수 있다.
businessA side agreement to a contract may have no legal effect.
이 종이의 이면을 연습장으로 쓰세요.
everydayUse the back side of this paper as scratch paper.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
동전의 양면과 이면
two sides of a coin
사건의 이면
the back story of an incident
이면을 파헤치다
to dig into the hidden side
Often Confused With
Internal mind/heart vs General hidden side of a thing (이면).
Usage Notes
Used frequently in analytical writing to discuss the negative aspects of a positive-looking trend.
Common Mistakes
In everyday speech, '이면지' (scrap paper) is common, but in IELTS, it usually refers to abstract 'hidden sides'.
Memory Tip
I (Behind) + Myeon (Face/Surface). The face behind.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 裏 (inside/back) and 面 (face).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
SNS의 화려한 모습 ( )에는 타인과 비교하며 느끼는 우울감이 존재한다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 이면
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
다각도
B2Various angles or viewpoints. Used when analyzing a problem or situation from many different perspectives.
기반하다
B2To be based on or grounded in a specific foundation, fact, or principle.
증명
B1The act of showing that something is true or correct by providing evidence or logical reasons.
역설하다
B2To emphasize or stress a point strongly during a speech or in writing.
비교
B1The act of examining the similarities and differences between two or more things.
중대한
B1Being of great importance or significance. Used to emphasize the weight of a decision, an error, or a discovery.
구별하다
B1To recognize or show a difference between people or things. Often used in IELTS when comparing two similar concepts or identifying categories.
인용
B1The act of repeating or copying words from another source, such as a book, speech, or person. It is used to provide evidence or support an argument.
탐구
B1The act of examining or investigating something systematically and deeply to discover facts or principles. It is central to scientific and philosophical work.
부각
B1The act of making something stand out or become prominent. It is often used when a certain issue or fact becomes a main topic of interest.
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