世間体(せけんてい)

Usage: Often used with 気(き)にする (to care about) or adjectives like 良(よ)い/悪(わる)い (good/bad).

Nuance: 世間体(せけんてい) reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on social harmony and reputation. It can have negative connotations when someone is criticized for being overly concerned with appearances rather than substance.

Cultural note: This concept is particularly important in traditional Japanese society, where maintaining a good reputation within one's community (世間(せけん)) is highly valued.

Common collocations

• 世間体(せけんてい)を気(き)にする (to care about appearances)
• 世間体(せけんてい)が良(よ)い/悪(わる)い (looks good/bad to society)
• 世間体(せけんてい)を保(たも)つ (to maintain appearances)
• 世間体(せけんてい)のために (for the sake of appearances)

Related words

• 体裁(ていさい) (appearance, keeping up appearances)
• 面目(めんぼく) (face, honor)
• 世間(せけん) (society, the world)
• 見栄(みえ) (vanity, showing off)