うわべ
うわべ
noun
surface; outward appearance; superficiality
1.
surface; outward appearance; what is visible from outside
The outer or visible side of something, often contrasted with what lies beneath. Frequently used figuratively for outward appearance vs. true feelings.
うわべだけの付き合いだ。
It's a superficial relationship.
うわべは穏やかだが、内心は怒っている。
On the surface he looks calm, but inside he's angry.
人をうわべだけで判断してはいけない。
You shouldn't judge people only by their outward appearance.
Usually written in hiragana, occasionally as {上辺}. Almost always used figuratively, contrasting outward appearance with hidden inner reality. Carries a slightly negative nuance — suggesting that the surface is shallow or misleading.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- うわべだけ: only on the surface; merely superficial
- うわべを飾る: to put on a façade
- うわべを取り繕う: to keep up appearances
- うわべで判断する: to judge by appearances
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 表面: surface — neutral; refers to literal or figurative surface without negative nuance
- 外見: outward appearance — neutral; how someone or something looks
- 見かけ: outward appearance — close in meaning, slightly more colloquial