Keeping up appearances
Slang Term
British
★★★★☆ Common
Neutral
含义: Maintaining a respectable image despite circumstances
不顾实际情况维持体面形象
Mantener una imagen respetable a pesar de las circunstancias
状況に関わらず体裁を保つこと
상황에 관계없이 체면을 유지하는 것
Putting on a show of respectability or wealth even when reality doesn't match. Associated with middle-class anxiety about status.
即使现实不符,也要装出体面或富裕的样子。与中产阶级对社会地位的焦虑有关。
Aparentar respetabilidad o riqueza aunque la realidad no coincida. Asociado con la ansiedad de la clase media por el estatus.
現実が伴わなくても、体裁や裕福さを取り繕うこと。体面を気にする中産階級的な不安に関連する。
현실이 그에 미치지 못하더라도 체면이나 부유함을 과시하는 것을 의미한다. 지위에 대한 중산층의 불안감과 관련이 있다.
例句
- She's always keeping up appearances. 她总是在维持面子Siempre está guardando las apariencias彼女はいつも体裁を取り繕っている그녀는 항상 체면을 차리고 있어.
- All about keeping up appearances with the neighbours. 一切都是为了在邻居面前保持体面Todo se trata de guardar las apariencias ante los vecinos近所に対して見栄を張ることばかり이웃 앞에서 체면 유지하는 것에만 신경 써.
- Can't afford it but must keep up appearances. 负担不起但必须撑面子No puede permitírselo pero tiene que guardar las apariencias余裕はないが体裁は保たねばならない여유가 없지만 체면은 유지해야 해.
发音
用法指南
语境: social commentary, everyday
语气: often critical or pitying
✓ 正确说法
- Just keeping up appearances只是维持面子而已solo guardando las aparienciasただ体裁を保っているだけ그저 체면 유지하는 것
- All about appearances全靠面子todo son apariencias見かけがすべて체면이 전부
✗ 错误说法
- N/A—widely understood无特别注意事项,广泛理解的表达Sin restricciones: expresión ampliamente comprendida特に注意点なし。広く理解されている表現해당 없음—널리 통용되는 표현
常见错误
- None significant
起源与历史
Long-standing English phrase about maintaining social respectability. Made famous by the 1990s BBC sitcom of the same name starring Patricia Routledge.
词源: Keep up (maintain) + appearances (outward show)
最早记录: 19th century, sitcom 1990s
文化背景
Era: 19th century onwards
Generation: All generations
Social background: Middle class anxiety
Pop culture: Keeping Up Appearances (BBC sitcom)
Regional notes: British expression.
变体
Keeping up appearancesKeep up appearances
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Posh
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Upper class; elegant and expensive
Born with a silver spoon
★★★★★
Born into wealth and privilege
Keeping up with the Joneses
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Competing with neighbours for status
Rough
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Uncouth; from a tough neighbourhood
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Someone who looks down on those of lower status
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