外観

• Reading: がいかん
• Romaji: gaikan
• Kanji breakdown: 外 (gai/soto) — outside, external; 観 (kan) — view, appearance
• Pronunciation: /ɡa.i.kaɴ/

Meaning

Outward appearance; exterior; external looks of a building, object, or person.

A noun describing the external appearance of something, most commonly buildings, products, or people. Often contrasted with 内装 (interior) or 中身 (contents). Used in architecture, real estate, product reviews, and general description.

Examples

1. この建物は外観がモダンで目を引く。 This building has a modern exterior that catches the eye.
2. 外観だけで品質を判断するのは難しい。 It's difficult to judge quality based on appearances alone.
3. リフォームで家の外観が見違えるほど変わった。 The renovation transformed the exterior of the house beyond recognition.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, real estate, product reviews

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 外 (outside, external) + 観 (view, appearance). The kanji 観 conveys the sense of how something looks when viewed.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal