体裁
Meanings
Refers to how something looks on the surface, often with a nuance of form or presentation rather than substance.
This document doesn't look presentable.
He only cares about outward appearances.
Used for the correct or expected structure of something like an essay, report, or formal document.
Please submit the report after putting it in the proper format.
Often used in expressions like 体裁が悪い (look bad, be embarrassing) or 体裁を繕う (keep up appearances).
Saying that would make me look bad.
He's desperate to keep up appearances.
lip service; insincere words; glib talk
Used for words that sound good but lack sincerity; often in the phrase 体裁のいいことを言う.
He only says things that sound good.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の体裁を整えるto put something into proper form or format
I fixed the report's formatting before submitting it.
- 体裁を繕うto keep up appearances; to put on a good face
He hid his failure and kept up appearances.
- 体裁が悪いto look bad; to be embarrassing
It would look bad to go dressed like this.
- 体裁を気にするto worry about how something looks; to care about appearances
She's the type who worries about appearances more than what others actually think.
- 体裁のいい〈事〉を言うto say something that sounds good but lacks sincerity
He always just says nice-sounding things but never follows through.