1.
outward appearance, exterior, looks
How something or someone looks from the outside. Often used in contrast with inner qualities, true nature, or substance.
外見だけで判断してはいけない。
You shouldn't judge by appearance alone.
外見は怖そうだが、実はとても優しい人だ。
He looks intimidating, but he's actually a very kind person.
外見を気にしすぎると、中身を磨くことを忘れてしまう。
If you worry too much about your appearance, you'll forget to develop what's inside.
USAGE:
Often appears in contexts contrasting outward appearance with inner reality: 外見 vs 中身 (contents, inner quality). Frequently used with 判断する (to judge) in moral advice about not judging by looks.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 外見で判断する: judge by appearance
- 外見を気にする: care about one's appearance
- 外見と中身: appearance and substance
- 外見に騙される: be deceived by appearances
- 外見上: outwardly, on the surface
SIMILAR WORDS:
外見 is relatively neutral and formal. 見た目 (looks, appearance) is the everyday equivalent. 容姿 (physical appearance) specifically refers to a person's face and figure. 外観 (exterior) is used more for buildings and objects.