表向き
Meanings
1
outward appearance; ostensible; public; official
Refers to the surface, publicly presented aspect of something, often implying a contrast with the real situation or private truth. Commonly used as a noun or adverbially with に/は.
Antonyms: 裏向き
The ostensible reason was health problems, but there was actually another circumstance.
He outwardly maintained a calm facade.
Usage patterns
- 表向きの〈事〉the official/ostensible ~ (reason, story, etc.)
The official reason is a transfer, but really it's because he turned down a promotion.
- 表向きは〈事〉が、実は〈事〉on the surface it's ~, but in reality it's ~
On the surface they get along, but in reality the two of them are at odds.