Translation guide
The quality of being considered proper, decent, and worthy of respect by society. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through words related to social standing, dignity, and adherence to social norms, rather than a single direct equivalent.
The quality of being regarded as proper, decent, and worthy of respect in society.
Refers to outward appearance or form that maintains one's social standing; often used in phrases like 体裁を保つ (to keep up appearances).
彼は体裁を気にする人だ。
He is someone who cares about respectability.
Honor or face; maintaining one's dignity and reputation. Often used in the negative form 面目ない (to lose face).
彼は面目を保とうとした。
He tried to maintain his respectability.
One's public face or reputation; similar to 面目 but slightly more formal.
彼は体面を傷つけられた。
His respectability was damaged.
Appearances in the eyes of society; how one is perceived by others. Often used in the context of avoiding shame.
世間体を気にして、彼は辞職した。
Concerned about respectability, he resigned.
The quality of being morally upright and decent.
Refers to one's character or moral quality; implies refinement and decency.
彼女は品性のある人だ。
She is a person of respectability.
Integrity and honesty; often used for public figures. Implies being upright and incorruptible.
Nobility of character; high-mindedness. A more literary term for moral purity.
The quality of being respected due to one's position, accomplishments, or social standing.
Social standing or prestige; often associated with tradition, formality, and established reputation.
そのホテルは格式が高い。
That hotel has a high level of respectability.
Dignity and presence that commands respect; often used for people with authority or experience.
Dignity and majesty; implies a commanding presence that inspires respect.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'respectability'. Choose based on whether you mean social appearance (体裁), moral character (品性), or dignified status (格式).
体裁 is about outward form and keeping up appearances. 面目 and 体面 are about honor and face, often used when it's threatened. 体裁 is more everyday; 面目/体面 are slightly more formal.
スキャンダルの後、彼は面目を失った。
He lost all respectability after the scandal.
そのレストランは格式がある。
The restaurant has an air of respectability.
彼は清廉な政治家として知られている。
He is known as a politician of respectability.
I was impressed by his respectable way of life.
彼には社長としての貫禄がある。
He has the respectability befitting a company president.
The king treated his people with respectability.