表面上

biǎomiànshang

adverb HSK 6

Meanings

On the surface — superficially, what appears to be true.

表面上他很开心，其实内心很难过。

Biǎomiànshang tā hěn kāixīn, qíshí nèixīn hěn nánguò.

On the surface he seems happy, but deep down he's sad.

他们表面上关系很好，私下里却经常吵架。

Tāmen biǎomiànshang guānxì hěn hǎo, sīxià lǐ què jīngcháng chǎojià.

They seem to get along on the surface, but they often argue in private.

表面上看起来很简单，做起来却很难。

Biǎomiànshang kànqǐlái hěn jiǎndān, zuò qǐlái què hěn nán.

It looks simple on the surface, but it's actually hard to do.

usage

表面上...其实/实际上... is a very common pattern: 'On the surface... but actually...' It contrasts appearance with reality.

表 biǎo

面 miàn

上 shàng