Meaning and Usage
"外観" (がいかん) refers to the external appearance or facade of something, such as a building, product, or person. It focuses on the visible outer look rather than internal qualities.
Common Contexts
You will often see "外観" used when describing architecture, products, or any object where the outside look is important. It can also be used metaphorically to warn against judging something solely by its appearance.
Collocations and Patterns
- 外観が美しい: describing something with a beautiful exterior.
- 外観だけで判断する: to judge only by appearance, often implying a warning.
- 外観をチェックする: to inspect or check the exterior.
Register and Nuance
"外観" is a formal noun, commonly used in written language, business, architecture, and product descriptions. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler words like "見た目" might be used.
Learner Tips
A common mistake is confusing "外観" with "外見" (がいけん), which also means appearance but often refers more to a person's physical look. "外観" is more about objects and buildings. Remember to use "外観" when talking about the external look of things rather than people.