体面(たいめん)

体面(たいめん) refers to one's outward dignity or social reputation — similar to the concept of 'face' in social contexts. Somewhat literary and formal.

Common collocations

• 体面(たいめん)を保(たも)つ: to maintain one's dignity
• 体面(たいめん)を傷(きず)つける: to damage one's reputation
• 体面(たいめん)を繕(つくろ)う: to keep up appearances
• 体面(たいめん)を気(き)にする: to worry about appearances

Watch out

Do not confuse with 対面(たいめん) (meeting face to face), which has the same reading but different kanji and meaning.

Similar words

• 面子(めんつ): face, pride (more colloquial)
• 体裁(ていさい): outward appearances (more everyday)
• 名誉(めいよ): honor, reputation (broader scope)