JLPT N2・N4 Vocabulary – Difference between “格好”, “容姿” and “外見”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “格好“, “容姿” and “外見“
2. 格好
3. 容姿
4. 外見
5. Let’s Compare
6. Summary
7. Quiz
8. Similar Articles
9. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “格好”, “容姿”, and “外見”?
A: These three words are used to describe appearance, but they differ in their meanings and usage.
格好 (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
①The shape, appearance, or attire as seen from the outside
②The state or condition of something
[Commonly Used Words]
良い(good), 悪い(bad)
Refers to the appearance of a person or thing, often focusing on clothing or attire.
[Examples]
今日はカジュアルな格好で出かけようかな。
I think I’ll go out in casual clothes today.
⇒ You can use terms like “flashy” or “neat” in addition to “casual” to describe a person’s clothing or style.
そのジャケット、格好いいですね。
That’s a cool jacket.
⇒ Complimenting the jacket.
容姿 (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Facial features, physique, overall appearance, and shape
[Commonly Used Words]
整う(Well-proportioned), 端麗 (Elegant)
Refers to a person’s overall facial features and physique. This term is used when the balance of facial features like eyes, nose, and mouth is beautiful or attractive.
[Examples]
オードリー・ヘップバーンは整った容姿をもった女性でした。
Audrey Hepburn was a woman with well-proportioned features.
⇒ This means Audrey Hepburn’s eyes, nose, and other features were exceptionally beautiful.
マリアさんは容姿端麗です。
Maria has an elegant appearance.
⇒ “容姿端麗” describes someone whose overall appearance is flawless.
外見 (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
The outward or superficial appearance visible from the outside
[Commonly Used Words]
整う(Well-groomed)
[Opposite Word]
内面 (Inner character)
Refers to the superficial impression or atmosphere visible from the outside, excluding facial features or physique. This term applies not only to people but also to objects or buildings.
[Examples]
あの人は外見はいい人に見えるけど内面はとても性格が悪いよ。
That person looks good on the outside, but their personality is terrible on the inside.
⇒ Comparing external appearance with inner character.
このビルは外見は素晴らしいが、中に入ってみると何もないです。
This building looks impressive on the outside, but when you go inside, there is nothing there.
⇒ The building looks impressive from the outside, but the interior does not match that impression.
Let’s Compare
Which word best fits the following situation?
[Example]
人前で（格好・外見・容姿）悪いことをしないでください。
The correct answer is “格好“.
“格好” can also describe the situation, behavior, or overall impression.
In this case, the focus is on how someone’s attitude or conduct is perceived by others. The other two words, “外見” and “容姿“, do not convey this meaning.
Summary
[格好]
- Refers to clothing, appearance, shape, and state as seen from the outside.
- It is also used to describe the appearance or impression of someone’s attitude or behavior.
[容姿]
- Describes a person’s overall appearance, including facial features and body shape.
- Focuses on the balance and beauty of features like the eyes, nose, and mouth.
[外見]
- Indicates the surface-level appearance or impression as seen from the outside.
- It can be used not only for people but also for objects and buildings, often in contrast with inner qualities.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 外見
彼は外見は良かったのに、性格は最低でした。
He had a good appearance, but his personality was awful.
*Since it is being compared with his “personality” (inner character), “外見” is the correct answer.
A. 格好
もう大人だから格好悪いことはしないようにしています。
Since I’m an adult now, I try not to do anything uncool.
*Referring to behavior or manner, so “格好” is the correct answer.
A. 格好
ハロウィンでおもしろい格好をしようと思っています。
I’m thinking of wearing a funny outfit for the halloween.
*Refers to clothing (a style that looks funny), so “格好” is the correct answer.
A. 容姿
姉はわたしと違って容姿端麗です。
My sister, unlike me, is beautiful.
*Indicates that her appearance is perfect, so “容姿” is the correct answer.
