建前

たてまえ · tatemae

JLPT N1

Meaning

Public stance, outward appearance, official principle, what is said or shown in public, often contrasting with one's true feelings (本音, honne).

Examples

• 建前と本音を使い分けるのは、日本の社会ではよくあることです。 — It's common in Japanese society to use different public stances and true feelings.
• 彼の発言は建前で、本心ではそう思っていないだろう。 — His statement is a public stance; he probably doesn't truly think that.
• 会社の方針としては建前上、残業は推奨されていません。 — As a company policy, officially, overtime is not encouraged.