Translation guide
The English word "veneer" has two main uses: a thin decorative layer of wood or material, and a superficial appearance that hides the true nature of something. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to a thin sheet of wood or other material glued onto a surface for decoration or protection.
The standard term for wood veneer used in furniture and interior finishing. Literally 'pressed board'.
This table is finished with a veneer.
Decorative laminate or veneer board, often used for furniture and interior surfaces. Implies a cosmetic finish.
Using veneer can sometimes make it look cheap.
From 'veneer', commonly used for plywood or thin wood sheets. Often implies lower quality or construction material.
I made a shelf out of veneer board.
Technical term for a single layer of veneer, used in woodworking and manufacturing.
Plywood is made by layering multiple veneers.
Describing a thin, deceptive outward appearance that conceals the real character or quality of something.
The surface or outward appearance, often implying it is shallow or deceptive. Commonly used in phrases like うわべだけ (just on the surface).
His kindness is just a veneer.
Don't be fooled by the veneer.
A pretense or facade, something that is made to look real but is not. Emphasizes deception.
Literally 'thin outer appearance', a more direct translation that conveys the idea of a superficial layer.
Ostentation or false decoration; implies a veneer of elegance or culture that is not genuine. More literary.
うわべ focuses on the surface level of something (often a person's behavior or appearance) that may not reflect the inside. 見せかけ emphasizes intentional deception or pretense. うわべ is more common in everyday speech.
His outward attitude and true feelings are different.
That's a veneer of friendship.
Do not use 突き板 or ベニヤ to mean a superficial appearance. Those words only refer to physical wood veneer. For the figurative sense, use うわべ or 見せかけ.
A thin veneer of politeness covered his anger.
The cabinet is made of particleboard with a wood veneer.
彼の自信は見せかけに過ぎない。
His confidence is merely a veneer.
The company's code of ethics was just a thin veneer.
Her refined manner was full of veneer.