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表面重視
hyōmen jūshi
focus on appearance
この会社は表面重視で、実質的な成果はあまり重視されていません。
This company focuses on appearance and doesn't prioritize substantive results.
Businessmarketinggeneral
Prioritizing superficial aspects or appearance over substance or deeper qualities.
表面重視のデザインよりも、使いやすさを重視すべきだ。
We should prioritize usability over appearance-focused design.
彼は表面重視の人間で、中身が伴わない。
He's all about appearances and lacks substance.
Often used critically to describe superficial priorities, especially in business, design, or social contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
表面重視 is not inherently negative—it simply describes prioritizing appearance. However, it often carries a critical connotation in context. Use 実質重視 (prioritizing substance) as the antonym to clarify intent.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
In design or marketing, 表面重視 can be neutral (e.g., '表面重視のパッケージデザイン' = 'appearance-focused packaging design'). In personal traits, it’s usually critical (e.g., '表面重視の人' = 'someone who cares only about appearances').
Word Origin
Composed of 表面 (hyōmen, 'surface/appearance') and 重視 (jūshi, 'to emphasize/prioritize'). The compound emerged in modern Japanese business and social discourse, reflecting a cultural emphasis on visual presentation and first impressions.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in critiques of superficial decision-making, especially in corporate culture, fashion, or social media contexts. Often implies a lack of depth or authenticity. The opposite concept is 実質重視 (jisshitsu jūshi, 'prioritizing substance').
Word Breakdown
表面
surface/appearance
noun重視
to emphasize/prioritize
verb (suru verb)和英辞典