1.
public stance; facade; outward appearance
What one expresses publicly to maintain social harmony, regardless of one's true feelings.
2.
principle; policy; official position
The stated rule or policy that should be followed in principle.
Cultural concept
建前 is the public face one presents to maintain social harmony (和). It is not considered dishonest in Japanese culture but rather a social skill for smooth relationships.
Common expressions
- 建前を言う (to state the public position)
- 建前と本音 (public stance and true feelings)
- 建前では～ (officially, in principle...)
- 建前を使い分ける (to use appropriate facades for different situations)
Original meaning
建前 originally referred to the framework of a building (建てる + 前), symbolizing the outward structure.