見(み)た目(め)

みため
noun
appearance, looks
descriptive
1. appearance, looks, outward appearance
How something or someone looks from the outside. Emphasizes the visual impression as perceived by others, often contrasted with the reality or substance underneath.
見(み)た目(め)は若(わか)い。
He looks young.
見(み)た目(め)と味(あじ)は必(かなら)ずしも一致(いっち)しない。
Appearance and taste don't always match.
見(み)た目(め)はシンプルだが、実(じつ)は高度(こうど)な技術(ぎじゅつ)が使(つか)われている製品(せいひん)だ。
It looks simple, but it is actually a product that uses advanced technology.

Usage

見(み)た目(め) literally means "the way something is seen" and is very common in everyday conversation. It frequently appears in contrast structures: 見(み)た目(め)は〜だが実(じつ)は〜 (it looks like ~ but actually ~).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 外見(がいけん): outward appearance (more formal)
  • 容姿(ようし): physical appearance, looks (specifically about a person's body and face)
  • ルックス: looks (loanword, casual, often about attractiveness)

Related Words

Synonym: 外見(がいけん) (formal)
Synonym: 容姿(ようし) (physical looks)
Compare: 格好(かっこう) (appearance, shape)
Related: 見掛(みか)け (appearance)
Related: 見栄(みば)え (appearance)
Compare: 外観的(がいかんてき) (external)
general
Added 2026.2.28 9:52 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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