hapanim

haPanim (הפנים) is a Hebrew term that literally means "the faces" and is the definite plural form of the noun panim, meaning face or surface. In general usage, panim covers both the faces of people and the front surfaces of objects; haPanim can refer to people’s faces collectively or to outward appearances more broadly. In biblical and liturgical Hebrew, panim appears in expressions such as paneh el paneh, typically translated as "face to face," used to describe direct encounters or intimate revelations between individuals or between humans and the divine. The concept also encompasses presence and visibility, where the visible faces of those present are implied.

In modern Hebrew, haPanim is common in everyday speech and writing. It may appear as a title or motif in literature, journalism, or culture, where the imagery of faces or appearances is central. The word does not point to a single, specific subject; rather, its meaning is determined by context, making it a versatile term across different registers of the language.

See also: panim, paneh, face, surface.