noun
public stance; official position; face
Refers to the outward position or attitude one presents publicly, often contrasted with one's true feelings (本音). Common in social, business, and political contexts.
See also: 本音
政治家の建前と本音は違うことが多い。
A politician's public stance and true feelings are often different.
会議では建前ばかりで、本音が聞けなかった。
At the meeting it was all official positions; I couldn't hear anyone's real thoughts.
noun
framework-raising ceremony
Only when written 建前 / 建て前
Traditional ceremony held when the framework of a building is erected. Restricted to kanji forms 建前 and 建て前.
新築の家の建前には、近所の人も招かれた。
Neighbors were also invited to the framework-raising ceremony for the new house.