Refers to the literal or figurative surface of something, often contrasted with inner substance. Used in expressions like 皮相的な見方 (superficial view).
物事を皮相だけで判断してはいけない。
Don't judge things only by their outward appearance.
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
Describes understanding, analysis, or a person that lacks depth. Often used as 皮相な or 皮相の.
彼の考え方は皮相だ。
His way of thinking is superficial.
皮相な知識で議論しても意味がない。
There's no point arguing with superficial knowledge.
From Chinese 皮相 (píxiàng), literally 'skin appearance', meaning outward appearance or superficiality. The Japanese reading ひそう is the on'yomi.