Japanese word

外観

Pronunciation

Romajigaikan

Meaning

  • nounexterior

Example

この建物の外観は白いです。ko no tate mono no gai kan wa shiro i de su

This building's exterior is white.

Illustration for 外観 (exterior)

More examples

製品は外観だけでなく、使いやすさも重要です。sei hin wa gai kan da ke de na ku tsuka i ya su sa mo jū yō de su

A product's appearance matters, but so does its ease of use.

Core concept

Focuses on how something appears from the outside, especially its visible form as distinct from its internal qualities.

Common phrases

  • 外観を整えるgai kan o totono e ru

    improve the appearance

  • 外観を損なうgai kan o soko na u

    mar the appearance

  • 外観にこだわるgai kan ni ko da wa ru

    care about the appearance

Similar words

外見gaiken: The way a person, building, product, or other object looks from the outside.
見た目mitame: The appearance of a person or thing as seen at a glance.
姿sugata: The visible form or appearance of a person or thing.

Definition in Japanese

人や物の外から見える形や様子。hito ya mono no soto ka ra mi e ru katachi ya yō su

Word origin

外 (gai, "outside") modifies 観 (kan, "view"), so 外観 (gaikan) literally refers to the view of something from the outside.

Usage tips

  • English exterior usually points to the outside of a building, while Japanese 外観 (gaikan) can also refer to the overall visible appearance of a product or other object.

Other meanings

  • appearancenoun

Opposites

  • 内観naikaninterior viewnoun

Word lists with this word