JLPT N1 Advanced
建前
Public face or official stance expressed to maintain social harmony, distinct from true private feelings
Readings
Other forms
建て前 also common
Noun
"Public Face" / "Official Stance"
The façade or official position displayed in public to satisfy social expectations, distinct from one’s internal thoughts.
Example
会議 で は 賛成 しました が 、 それ は 建前 で 、 本音 は プロジェクト に 反対 です 。
I agreed in the meeting, but that was just my public stance; my true feeling is that I'm against the project.
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