面
miàn · HSK 2
face
面 = face/surface; classifier for flat objects like mirrors, flags, walls
As a measure word, 面 counts flat-surfaced things — 一面镜子 (a mirror), 一面旗 (a flag), 一面墙 (a wall). The core sense is face or flat side, extended to anything with a broad surface.
面 — enclosure 囗 + 自 (nose/face inside)
Originally a pictograph showing a face framed by an outline, with 自 (nose) inside representing the central feature of the face. The early meaning was 'face,' which extended to 'surface,' 'side,' and 'aspect.' In simplified Chinese, 面 also absorbed 麵, adding the meaning 'flour/noodles.'