1.
exterior surface, outer surface, outside
The physical outer surface or side of an object. The concrete, physical meaning.
建物の外面を塗り替える。
To repaint the exterior surface of a building.
箱の外面にラベルを貼る。
To put a label on the outside of the box.
壁の外面は風雨にさらされて劣化しやすい。
The outer surface of walls is prone to deterioration from exposure to wind and rain.
2.
outward appearance, public face, external behavior
How someone presents themselves to others, as opposed to their true nature or private behavior. Often implies a gap between appearance and reality.
外面がいい人だ。
He's someone who puts on a good face in public.
外面は穏やかだが、内面は激しい人だ。
He appears calm on the outside, but is intense on the inside.
外面ばかり気にして、中身が伴っていない。
They only care about outward appearances and lack substance.
USAGE:
Sense 2 often carries a slightly negative nuance, suggesting superficiality or a gap between public behavior and true character. The expression 外面がいい describes someone who is charming in public but may behave differently in private.
CONTRAST:
- 外面: outer surface / outward appearance
- 内面: inner side / inner nature, personality
NOTE ON READING:
Also read as そとづら in the colloquial expression 外面がいい (puts on a good front for outsiders), which has a stronger negative connotation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 外面がいい: to present well to others
- 外面と内面: outside and inside, appearance and reality
- 外面を飾る: to put up a front