外観
gaikan[ɡa̠ikã̠ɴ]
The English word appearance can be translated into Japanese as 外観 (gaikan). If unsure, use 外観. Wiktionary also lists 見掛け (mikake).
Meaning: personal presence, form or look (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 外観 | gaikan | [ɡa̠ikã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 見掛け | mikake | [mʲika̠ke̞] (narrow) |
The term appearance in Japanese refers to personal presence, form or look. Use 外観 specifically when discussing the external appearance or architectural/structural exterior of inanimate objects like buildings, machines or products. In contrast, 見掛け describes the outward appearance or 'look' of things, often focusing on how something appears to the eye or its superficial quality.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 外観 is composed of 外 meaning outer and 観 meaning view or appearance.
Which one should you use?
外観 is typically used for the external appearance of inanimate objects such as buildings or machines. 見掛け is more commonly used to describe the outward appearance or 'look' of things, often in the context of superficial qualities.
How do you pronounce it?
gaikan
Did you know?
- In Japanese, there is a concept called 建前 which refers to the 'public appearance' or facade a person maintains to fit social expectations, as opposed to their true feelings.
- While 外観 describes a building's exterior, the word 外見 is used for a person's physical appearance. Using 外観 to describe a person would sound as if you are treating them like a piece of architecture.
- The term 見掛け is the root of the common Japanese expression 見掛け倒し, which describes something that 'looks good but is actually useless' or 'all show and no substance'.
Examples in context
- 外観はあてにならない。Appearance is deceptive.This sentence demonstrates how to use 外観.Tatoeba #184850 by KK_kaku_, translation #21980 by Swift
- 彼の外見はとても魅力的です。His appearance is very attractive.
- 彼の見た目はちょっと変わっているよね。His appearance is a bit unusual, isn't it?
- 建物の外観がとても美しい。tatemono no gaikan ga totemo utsukushii.The exterior appearance of the building is very beautiful.
- この車の外観はシンプルだ。kono kuruma no gaikan wa shinpuru da.The outward appearance of this car is simple.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are looking at a newly built cafe.
- 蓮 Renこのカフェ、外観がすごくおしゃれだね。kono kafe, gaikan ga sugoku oshare da ne.This cafe's exterior appearance is really stylish, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当。外観もいいし、中も綺麗そう。honto. gaikan mo ii shi, naka mo kirei sou.True. The appearance is great, and the inside looks beautiful too.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、入ってみようよ。misaki, haitte miyou yo.Misaki, let's go inside.
- 美咲 Misaki賛成！楽しみ。sansei! tanoshimi.I agree! I'm excited.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appearance” translations and entries 外観, 見掛け, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
