表向(おもてむ)き

おもてむき
noun, adverb
outwardly; officially; on the surface
1. outwardly; officially; on the surface
What is presented publicly or officially, as opposed to the real or hidden situation. Implies a gap between appearance and reality.
表向(おもてむ)きは賛成(さんせい)している。
On the surface, they agree.
表向(おもてむ)きの理由(りゆう)と本当(ほんとう)の理由(りゆう)は違(ちが)う。
The official reason and the real reason are different.
表向(おもてむ)きは友好(ゆうこう)関係(かんけい)だが、裏(うら)では対立(たいりつ)している。
On the surface it's a friendly relationship, but behind the scenes they're at odds.

Usage

Used as an adverb (表向(おもてむ)きは...) or as a noun modifier (表向(おもてむ)きの理由(りゆう)). Carries the implication that the reality differs from what is shown. Often contrasted with 裏(うら) (behind the scenes) or 本音(ほんね) (true feelings).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 建前(たてまえ): public position, façade — focuses on social expectations vs. true feelings
  • 裏(うら): behind the scenes — the opposite, what is hidden from public view

Related Words

Synonym: 建前(たてまえ) (public stance)
Antonym: 本音(ほんね) (true feelings)
Antonym: 裏(うら) (behind the scenes)
Compare: 名目上(めいもくじょう) (nominally)
Compare: 形式上(けいしきじょう) (formally)
Compare: 裏向(うらむ)き (face down)
general
Added 2026.3.19 18:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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