裏表

• Reading: うらおもて
• Romaji: uraomote
• Kanji breakdown: 裏 (back/hidden/reverse) + 表 (front/surface/public) → having a hidden back side and a visible front side
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ɾa.o.mo.te/

Meaning

Two-faced; having a hidden side that contradicts one's public persona.

While 本音/建前 is an accepted social norm, 裏表 carries a more negative judgment — it implies someone is deliberately deceptive rather than simply maintaining social harmony. Being called 裏表がある (having a hidden side) is a serious character criticism. Conversely, 裏表がない (having no hidden side) is one of the highest compliments in Japanese culture.

Examples

1. あの人裏表ありすぎて信用できない。 That person is so two-faced I can't trust them.
2. 裏表がない人って本当に貴重だよね。 People with no hidden side are truly rare and valuable.
3. 裏表が激しい人とは一緒に仕事したくない。 I don't want to work with someone who's intensely two-faced.

Usage Guide

Context: character assessment, gossip, trust discussions, relationships

Tone: critical, cautionary

Do Say

• あの子は裏表がなくて付き合いやすい (She has no hidden side — easy to get along with)
• 裏表がある人には気をつけた方がいい (You should be careful around two-faced people)

Don't Say

• 本人に「裏表あるよね」と面と向かって言うのはケンカになる (Telling someone to their face 'you're two-faced' will start a fight)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing 裏表 with normal 本音/建前 — 建前 is expected social behaviour, while 裏表 implies deliberate deceit
• Assuming 裏表がない is always positive in professional settings — some degree of filtering is expected

Origin & History

From 裏 (back/hidden/reverse) + 表 (front/surface/public) — literally 'back and front.' The metaphor of having two different sides predates modern usage, rooted in the cultural awareness of 本音/建前 duality taken to a negative extreme.

Cultural Context

Era: Long-standing character assessment concept

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. 裏表がない (no hidden side) is considered one of the highest character compliments.