Translation guide
The English word "appearance" covers several distinct concepts: how something looks, the act of appearing or showing up, and the outward impression someone or something gives. Japanese uses different words and phrases for each meaning, and some common English uses require careful handling to avoid unnatural translations.
Describing the visual qualities, style, or outward form of a person, object, or place.
General term for outward appearance, often used for people or objects. Neutral and widely understood.
He cares too much about his appearance.
The appearance of this building is old, but the inside is new.
Colloquial and very common for "looks" or "appearance" in everyday speech. Slightly more casual than 外見.
The appearance isn't bad, but I wonder about the taste.
You shouldn't judge people by their appearance.
Often used for the exterior appearance of buildings, products, or objects. More formal than 外見.
The appearance of this car is very stylish.
Refers specifically to a person's physical appearance, including face and figure. Often used in formal contexts like job requirements.
a person of fine appearance
Loanword from English, used mainly for a person's attractive appearance, similar to "looks" in English. Casual.
He has good looks.
Referring to someone or something coming into view, arriving, or making an entrance.
Used for the appearance of things, creatures, or phenomena, often with a sense of emergence or materialization.
The appearance of a UFO was witnessed.
Used for the appearance of people, characters, or new products on a stage, in a story, or on the market. Implies an entrance or debut.
Specifically for appearing in a competition, event, or match. Participation.
Used for appearing in a performance, show, movie, or on TV. Specifically for performers.
Verb meaning 'to appear' or 'to show up'. Can be used for people, things, or phenomena.
Referring to the way something seems on the surface, possibly hiding the truth. Often used in phrases like 'appearances can be deceiving'.
Common phrase meaning 'appearances are unreliable' or 'you can't judge by appearances'.
Appearances can be deceiving, so what's inside is important.
Means 'not what it looks like' or 'contrary to appearances'. Used to describe someone or something that is different from how they seem.
He is stronger than he looks. (lit. Contrary to his appearance, he is strong.)
Means 'pretense', 'façade', or 'outward show'. Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the appearance.
Refers to the surface or superficial appearance, often hiding true feelings or nature.
Referring to how a person presents themselves through clothing, makeup, hair, etc.
Refers to personal grooming, neatness, and dress. Often used in contexts of professionalism or social appropriateness.
Appearance is important in an interview.
Specifically means 'clothing' or 'attire', but often used when talking about one's appearance in terms of dress.
The English phrase 'make an appearance' (e.g., at a party) is not directly translated using 外見. Use 顔を出す (かおをだす) for casually showing up, or 姿を見せる (すがたをみせる) for a more formal appearance.
He made an appearance at the party.
外見 (がいけん) is the most general for outward appearance of people/things. 見た目 (みため) is more colloquial and often implies a subjective impression. 外観 (がいかん) is formal and used for exteriors of buildings/products. For people, 外見 and 見た目 are interchangeable in many cases, but 見た目 is more common in casual speech.
Don't judge by appearances.
She takes great care over her appearance.
The sudden appearance of the dog scared me.
The appearance of a new virus is causing concern.
主人公の登場シーンは印象的だった。
The main character's appearance scene was impressive.
I'm waiting for the appearance of the new product.
彼のオリンピック出場が決まった。
His appearance in the Olympics has been decided.
彼女はそのドラマに出演した。
She made an appearance in that drama.
He suddenly appeared.
彼の親切は見せかけに過ぎない。
His kindness is merely an appearance.
a superficial relationship (lit. relationship of appearance only)
服装に気をつかう
to pay attention to one's appearance (clothing)