見掛(みか)け

みかけ
noun
appearance; outward look
appearancedescriptive
1. appearance; outward look
how something or someone appears on the surface, often implying it may differ from reality
見掛(みか)けによらず優(やさ)しい人(ひと)だ。
He's a kind person, despite appearances.
見掛(みか)けは怖(こわ)いが心(こころ)は温(あたた)かい。
He looks scary, but he has a warm heart.
見掛(みか)けだけで人(ひと)を判断(はんだん)してはいけない。
You shouldn't judge people by appearances alone.

Usage

  • 見掛(みか)けによらず (contrary to appearances)
  • 見掛(みか)けは〜 (in appearance...)
  • 見掛(みか)けだけ (only in appearance)
  • 見掛(みか)け倒(だお)し (all show, no substance)

Often implies a contrast between appearance and reality. The phrase 見掛(みか)けによらず is very common and means "contrary to what you'd expect from their appearance."

Related words

Related Words

Related: 外見(がいけん) (outward appearance)
Related: 見(み)た目(め) (visual appearance)
Related: 容姿(ようし) (physical appearance)
Compare: 表面(ひょうめん) (surface, outside)
Compare: 正味(しょうみ) (net (weight), actual)
general
Added 2026.1.25 17:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
08000/08214_mikake