Translation guide
This phrase is used to contrast how something seems with how it actually is. In Japanese, it is often expressed with phrases like 見かけによらず (mikake ni yorazu) or 見た目とは裏腹に (mitame to wa urahara ni). The choice depends on formality and whether the contrast is positive or negative.
Express that someone or something is better, kinder, stronger, etc., than they look.
A common, natural phrase meaning 'not in accordance with appearance.' Often used when someone's character or ability is surprisingly good despite a plain or rough exterior.
彼は見かけによらず優しい。
He is kind despite appearances.
Despite appearances, she is strong.
Similar to 見かけによらず, but slightly more casual. 見た目 means 'appearance' or 'looks.'
見た目によらず、彼はよく食べる。
Despite appearances, he eats a lot.
Literally 'looking like that,' used to introduce a surprising contrast. Often followed by a positive trait. Casual.
見かけはああ見えて、彼はとても親切なんだ。
Despite how he looks, he's actually very kind.
Express that the reality is different from the appearance, without necessarily implying a positive surprise.
Means 'contrary to appearance.' Can be used for both positive and negative contrasts. Slightly formal.
見た目とは裏腹に、この料理はとても辛い。
Despite appearances, this dish is very spicy.
見た目とは裏腹に、彼は実は臆病だ。
Despite appearances, he is actually timid.
Literally 'different from appearance.' A straightforward way to state the contrast.
見かけと違って、このバッグは軽い。
Despite appearances, this bag is light.
Pattern meaning 'not as ~ as it looks.' Used to negate an expected quality.
見た目ほど難しくない。
It's not as difficult as it looks.
見た目ほど重くないよ。
It's not as heavy as it looks.
Express that something is true even though the visible circumstances suggest otherwise.
Literally 'it may not look that way, but...' A polite, conversational way to introduce a contrast.
そうは見えないかもしれないが、彼は真面目に働いている。
Despite appearances, he works diligently.
Means 'appearance aside' or 'regardless of looks.' Often used to focus on substance over appearance.
見た目はともかく、味はいい。
Despite appearances, it tastes good.
見かけによらず is almost always used for positive surprises (e.g., a tough-looking person is kind). 見た目とは裏腹に can be used for any contrast, including negative ones (e.g., a cute-looking food is spicy).
見かけによらず、彼は優しい。
Despite appearances, he is kind. (positive)
見た目とは裏腹に、彼は冷たい。
Despite appearances, he is cold. (negative)
Do not directly translate 'despite appearances' word-for-word. Phrases like 外見にもかかわらず (gaiken ni mo kakawarazu) are grammatically possible but sound unnatural and stiff. Use the set phrases above.