noun
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).
彼は家族の体面を守るために懸命に働いた。
He worked hard to protect his family's honor.
会社の体
To maintain the company's reputation, the issue was not made public.
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.