Translation guide
The English word "appearances" can refer to how things look on the surface, the act of appearing in public, or the impression someone gives. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Talking about the way someone or something looks, often implying it may not reflect reality.
General term for outward appearance, often used for people.
外見で人を判断してはいけない。
You shouldn't judge people by their appearances.
Casual, common word for how something looks. Used for objects, food, people.
この料理は見た目は悪いけど、おいしい。
This dish doesn't look great, but it's delicious.
External appearance, often for buildings or objects. Slightly formal.
この建物は外観が美しい。
This building has a beautiful exterior.
Appearance as opposed to reality; often used in set phrases like 見かけによらず (despite appearances).
見かけは怖そうだけど、実は優しい人だ。
He looks scary, but he's actually a kind person.
Fixed phrase meaning 'despite appearances' or 'not what you'd expect from the looks'.
彼は見かけによらず力持ちだ。
He's stronger than he looks.
The act of appearing in public, at an event, or in the media.
Appearing on stage, TV, film, etc. Used for performers.
彼女はその番組に出演した。
She appeared on that program.
Making an entrance, appearing on stage or in a story. Can be dramatic.
Appearance of something, often unexpected or notable (e.g., a rare animal, a new product).
To show oneself, to make an appearance. Natural for people showing up somewhere.
彼はパーティーに姿を見せなかった。
He didn't make an appearance at the party.
Maintaining an outward show of normality or respectability.
To keep up appearances, maintain face. Formal.
彼らは体面を保つために借金を隠した。
They hid their debts to keep up appearances.
To show off, to try to look good in front of others. More about vanity.
彼は見栄を張って高い車を買った。
He bought an expensive car to keep up appearances.
To worry about public appearances, what others think. Very Japanese concept.
彼女は世間体を気にして離婚をためらった。
She hesitated to divorce because she was concerned about appearances.
出現 (shutsugen) is mainly for things appearing or emerging, not for how someone looks. Use 外見 (gaiken) or 見た目 (mitame) for physical appearance.
外見 (gaiken) is slightly more formal and often used for people. 見た目 (mitame) is casual and can be used for anything. In daily conversation, 見た目 is more common.
主人公がついに登場した。
The hero finally made an appearance.
新種の鳥が出現した。
A new species of bird appeared.