noun
Refers to a person's outward appearance, especially the impression they give through dress, demeanor, and overall style. Often used in set phrases like 風采が上がらない (to look shabby or unprepossessing).
彼は風采が上がらないが、とても優秀な研究者だ。
He doesn't look impressive, but he is a very talented researcher.
その俳優は独特の
The actor captivated the audience with his distinctive appearance.
外見 is a more general and neutral word for outward appearance, while 風采 emphasizes the overall impression and style, often with a subjective or evaluative nuance.
身なり focuses specifically on dress and grooming, whereas 風采 includes the broader impression created by a person's bearing and demeanor.
The word is composed of 風 (style, manner) and 采 (appearance, form). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination has long been used to refer to a person's outward appearance and bearing.