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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.
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.
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').
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.
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').