Meaning

Primary

External Appearance

Alternatives

Outward Appearance, Surface

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The outside face to something is the external appearance of that thing.

While 外面 can refer to the outer surface of an object, it’s more commonly used to describe someone's outward appearance, behavior, or demeanor on the surface.

Reading

がいめん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)
そとづら
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji, so this is がいめん. But note that this can also use the kun’yomi readings, which makes it そとづら.

While がいめん is neutral, そとづら is a bit negative, often implying that the person's outward appearance might be deceptive, hiding their true nature.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • レンズの外面

    the outer surface of a lens

    人間の外面

    the outward appearance of humans

    自分の外面

    one's own external appearance

Context Sentences

ビエトは外面はいい人そうですが、実はとてもおそろしい一面を持っています。

On the surface, Viet looks like a nice guy, but he actually has a scary side.

コウイチ様の新しいかぶとの外面は金のラッカーで仕上げられたので、お手入れはしやすいはずです。

The exterior of Koichi-sama's new kabuto helmet has been finished with gold lacquer, so it should be easy to care for.

彼の外面に騙されない方がいいですよ。私がインストラクターのことが嫌いだったのは、上司にはいい顔をして陰で後輩のことを小突き回していたからです。

You shouldn’t be fooled by his outward appearance. I hated my instructor because he showed his superiors a nice face while he bullied subordinates, including me, behind their backs.

Kanji Composition