honor; dignity; face; appearances
Refers to one's public reputation, social standing, or outward dignity. Often used in phrases like 体面を保つ (keep up appearances) or 体面を汚す (lose face).
He worked hard to protect his family's honor.
To maintain the company's reputation, the issue was not made public.
体面 is a more formal, written-register word for social standing, while メンツ is the colloquial term used in everyday speech about not losing face.
体面 is a more formal word for public dignity or appearances, while 面目 focuses on one's personal honor or reputation among others.
体面 (same reading as 対面) means one's reputation or public image, not a face-to-face meeting like 対面.
Compound of 体 (body, appearance) and 面 (face, surface), literally 'face and appearance'. The meaning of social standing or dignity is an extension of the idea of one's outward face shown to society.