体裁

• Reading: ていさい
• Romaji: teisai
• Kanji breakdown: 体 (tei) — body, form, style; 裁 (sai) — cut, judge, tailor
• Pronunciation: /teː.sa.i/

Meaning

Outward appearance; form; how something looks to others. Often implies concern with social image.

A noun describing external appearance or format, especially in relation to social expectations. Common expressions include 体裁を整える (to put up a good front), 体裁が悪い (to look bad/embarrassing), and 体裁を気にする (to care about appearances). Can refer to the physical format of a document or the social image one projects.

Examples

1. 体裁を気にしすぎると本音が言えなくなる。 If you worry too much about appearances, you won't be able to say what you really think.
2. レポートの体裁を整えてから提出してください。 Please tidy up the format of your report before submitting it.
3. 失敗しても体裁が悪いからと隠すのはよくない。 It's not good to hide your mistakes just because you're embarrassed about how it looks.

Usage Guide

Context: social situations, business, writing, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 体 (tei, body/form) + 裁 (sai, to cut/judge/tailor). Originally meant 'to cut and shape the body/form,' referring to how something is arranged or presented outwardly.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal