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

  • 外面を見る

    to look at the exterior, to judge by appearances

    外面をかざる

    to decorate the exterior

    外面をみがく

    to polish the exterior

Context Sentences

彼女の外面にだまされない方がいいですよ。

You shouldn’t be fooled by her outward appearance.

彼は外面が良く、人前ではいつも笑顔を見せています。

He has a good outward appearance and always smiles in public.

このメガネは、レンズの外面のカーブをフラットにしているので、周辺部のボヤケやユガミが少ないんです。

These glasses have a flat curvature on the outer surface of the lens, so there's less distortion and glare in the peripheral areas.

Kanji Composition