外観(がいかん)

がいかん
noun
outward appearance, exterior
appearance
1. outward appearance, exterior, external look
The way something looks from the outside. Used for buildings, products, and people. Focuses on visual impression rather than inner qualities.
建物(たてもの)の外観(がいかん)が美(うつく)しい。
The exterior of the building is beautiful.
外観(がいかん)だけで商品(しょうひん)の品質(ひんしつ)は判断(はんだん)できない。
You can't judge a product's quality by its outward appearance alone.
リフォームで家(いえ)の外観(がいかん)を一新(いっしん)し、まるで新築(しんちく)のようになった。
The renovation completely transformed the house's exterior, making it look brand new.

Usage

Most commonly used for buildings and structures, but also applicable to products, vehicles, and sometimes people. When used for people, it refers to physical appearance in a neutral, objective way.

Similar words

  • 外見(がいけん): more commonly used for people's appearance
  • 見(み)た目(め): casual/everyday word for how something looks
  • 外観(がいかん): more formal, often used for buildings and products

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 外見(がいけん) (appearance (of people))
Compare: 見(み)た目(め) (looks (casual))
Compare: 外装(がいそう) (exterior)
Compare: 美観(びかん) (beautiful appearance)
general
Added 2026.2.20 18:51 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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