Translation guide
The English word 'facade' has two main meanings: the front of a building, and a false appearance. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
The outward face or front exterior of a building, especially one that is decorative or imposing.
General term for the front or front face of a building. Neutral and widely used.
An outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality.
見せかけ emphasizes the act of pretending or faking, while うわべ focuses on the superficial layer that hides the truth. 見せかけ is often used for deliberate deception, うわべ for shallow appearances.
His confidence is a facade (he's faking it).
The facade of that building is decorated with beautiful carvings.
Loanword from English, used in architectural contexts. Common in design and real estate.
The facade of this church is Gothic style.
Exterior appearance, not limited to the front. Can refer to the whole outer look of a building.
The facade is old, but the interior has been renovated.
A pretense or sham; something that is not what it seems. Common in everyday speech.
His kindness is just a facade.
Surface appearance, outward show. Often used in contrast with inner reality.
I covered it up with a facade of a smile.
Appearance or form maintained for social propriety. Often implies keeping up appearances.
He's desperate to maintain a facade.
Ostentation or false decoration; a showy but empty facade. More literary or formal.
Her life was full of facade and pretense.
うわべの優しさに騙された。
I was fooled by his superficial kindness.