1.
appearance; bearing; personal presence; look
A person's overall appearance and the impression they give through their looks, clothing, and manner. Often used in the set phrase 風采が上がらない.
風采の上がらない男だ。
He's a man of unimpressive appearance.
風采からは想像できないほどの実力者だった。
He was far more capable than his appearance would suggest.
風采が上がらないと言われ続けた彼が、社長にまで昇り詰めた。
He, who had always been told he looked unimpressive, rose all the way to company president.
Composed of 風 (style/manner) + 采 (form/appearance). Refers to a person's overall outward impression — how they look, dress, and carry themselves.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 風采が上がらない: to look unimpressive, to have a shabby appearance (the most common usage)
- 風采のいい人: a person of fine appearance
USAGE:
Most frequently encountered in the negative set phrase 風采が上がらない, which describes someone whose appearance is not particularly impressive or distinguished. The word itself is neutral, but this negative pattern is far more common than positive uses.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 容姿: looks, physical appearance — focuses more on facial features and body
- 風貌: features, looks — similar to 風采 but slightly more literary
- 身なり: dress, attire — focuses specifically on clothing and grooming