風采(ふうさい)

ふうさい
noun
appearance; bearing; personal presence
formalappearance
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(ふうさい)が上(あ)がらない.
風采(ふうさい)の上(あ)がらない男(おとこ)だ。
He's a man of unimpressive appearance.
風采(ふうさい)からは想像(そうぞう)できないほどの実力者(じつりょくしゃ)だった。
He was far more capable than his appearance would suggest.
風采(ふうさい)が上(あ)がらないと言(い)われ続(つづ)けた彼(かれ)が、社長(しゃちょう)にまで昇(のぼ)り詰(つ)めた。
He, who had always been told he looked unimpressive, rose all the way to company president.

Composed of 風(ふう) (style/manner) + 采(さい) (form/appearance). Refers to a person's overall outward impression — how they look, dress, and carry themselves.

Common collocations

Usage

Most frequently encountered in the negative set phrase 風采(ふうさい)が上(あ)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(ようし): looks, physical appearance — focuses more on facial features and body
  • 風貌(ふうぼう): features, looks — similar to 風采(ふうさい) but slightly more literary
  • 身(み)なり: dress, attire — focuses specifically on clothing and grooming

Related Words

Compare: 容姿(ようし) (looks, physical appearance)
Compare: 風貌(ふうぼう) (features, looks)
Compare: 身(み)なり (dress, attire)
general
Added 2026.3.29 1:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
20000/20197_fuusai