Kanji 余 too much, myself, surplus Related words 評ひょう 判ばん 評判 is a more common and general word for reputation, while 余所聞き specifically emphasizes how one is viewed by outsiders or society.
世せ 間けん 体てい 世間体 also refers to public appearance or social face, but 余所聞き is more about the reputation itself rather than the act of keeping up appearances.
Written forms 余よ 所そ 聞ぎ き
Standard kanji spelling for this word.
よそ 聞ぎ き
Kana-kanji mixed spelling sometimes seen in less formal writing.
Etymology Compound of 余所 (よそ , 'outside', 'other place') and 聞き (きき , 'hearing', from 聞く ). Literally 'what is heard from outside', referring to one's reputation among others.
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