veneer; decorative facing
Refers to a thin decorative layer applied to a surface, especially in woodworking and interior finishing. Can also be used figuratively for a superficial appearance.
This table is veneered, with only the surface made of high-quality wood.
His kindness is nothing more than a veneer.
Compound of 化粧 (けしょう, 'makeup, dressing up') and 張り (はり, 'stretching, covering'), literally meaning 'makeup covering'. The term likely originated in woodworking to describe a thin decorative layer that improves appearance, similar to how makeup enhances a face.