1.
front and back; both sides
The literal front and back sides of something, such as fabric or paper.
この布は裏表がある。
This fabric has a front and back side.
2.
two-faced; duplicity; inconsistency
Having different attitudes or behaviors depending on the situation, especially being kind to someone's face but speaking ill behind their back.
彼は裏表がない人だ。
He's a person without duplicity (what you see is what you get).
裏表のない性格が好きだ。
I like personalities without duplicity.
裏表が激しい人だと聞いた。
I heard they're very two-faced.
裏表を使い分ける。
To switch between two faces/act differently in different situations.
あの政治家は裏表がある。
That politician is two-faced.
ETYMOLOGY:
裏 (back, hidden side) + 表 (front, visible side) - the back and front.
USAGE:
- Sense 1: Physical front/back of objects
- Sense 2: Often used with {ない} to praise someone's honesty
COLLOCATIONS:
- 裏表がない - to be straightforward, honest
- 裏表がある - to be two-faced
- 裏表が激しい - to be very two-faced
RELATED:
- 本音と建前 - true feelings and public stance
- 八方美人 - people-pleaser