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How to say 'Principle' or 'Facade' in Japanese | 建て前

Wondering how to say 'Principle' or 'Facade' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Principle or Facade is 'Tatemae', written as 建て前 in Japanese.'Principle' or 'Facade' in hiragana is たてまえ.

    word

    建て前

    Meaning

    Principle, Facade

    Reading

    たてまえ

    tatemae

    Kanji

    建Build 前Before, Front

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '建て前 (たてまえ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to a 'facade' or the outward appearance or front of a building, often used metaphorically to describe a superficial or false presentation of something. For example: the facade of the building is impressive「建物の建て前は印象的だ」(たてもののたてまえはいんしょうてきだ). The second meaning refers to a 'principle' or a stated policy or stance, often used in formal or official contexts. For example: the company's principle is customer satisfaction「会社の建て前は顧客満足だ」(かいしゃのたてまえはこきゃくまんぞくだ). It's important to note that the second meaning is often used in contrast to '本音 (ほんね)', which refers to one's true feelings or intentions.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N4

    Kanji Grade

    4

    Frequency

    6766

    Composition

    kanji-hiragana

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 建て前

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    建

    Meaning

    Build

  • kanji

    前

    Meaning

    Before, Front

Hiragana in the Word 建て前

This word contains 1 Hiragana character :

  • hiragana

    て

    Reading

    Te

Words Related to 建て前 Through the Kanji 建

These 6 Words contain the Kanji 建 as well.

  • word

    建物

    Meaning

    Building

  • word

    建設

    Meaning

    Construction

  • word

    建築

    Meaning

    Architecture

  • word

    建て

    Meaning

    Built

  • word

    再建

    Meaning

    Rebuilding

  • word

    建つ

    Meaning

    Built

Words Related to 建て前 Through the Kanji 前

These 29 Words contain the Kanji 前 as well.

  • word

    前

    Meaning

    Before, Front

  • word

    御前

    Meaning

    You

  • word

    名前

    Meaning

    Name

  • word

    以前

    Meaning

    Before, Previously

  • word

    昼前

    Meaning

    Before noon

  • word

    前後

    Meaning

    Approximately, Before and after

  • word

    前提

    Meaning

    Premise

  • word

    当たり前

    Meaning

    Natural, Obvious

  • word

    午前

    Meaning

    Morning, AM

  • word

    前回

    Meaning

    Last time

  • word

    前期

    Meaning

    First half

  • word

    前述

    Meaning

    Aforementioned

  • word

    直前

    Meaning

    Just before

  • word

    事前

    Meaning

    Advance, Prior

  • word

    前進

    Meaning

    Advance

  • word

    手前

    Meaning

    Oneself, Front

  • word

    前半

    Meaning

    First half

  • word

    戦前

    Meaning

    Prewar

  • word

    前者

    Meaning

    Former

  • word

    前方

    Meaning

    Front

  • word

    前掲

    Meaning

    Aforementioned

  • word

    前向き

    Meaning

    Positive

  • word

    人前

    Meaning

    Public

  • word

    前もって

    Meaning

    Beforehand

  • word

    出前

    Meaning

    Delivery

  • word

    前日

    Meaning

    Previous day

  • word

    前売り券

    Meaning

    Advance, Ticket

  • word

    前年

    Meaning

    Previous year

  • word

    駅前

    Meaning

    Station front

Learn the Word 建て前

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Tatemae' (建て前) mean?

'Tatemae' means 'Principle' or 'Facade' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.