Translation guide
The English word "veneer" has two main uses: a thin decorative layer of wood or material, and a superficial appearance that hides the true nature of something. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to a thin sheet of wood or other material glued onto a surface for decoration or protection.
The standard term for wood veneer used in furniture and interior finishing. Literally 'pressed board'.
Describing a thin, deceptive outward appearance that conceals the real character or quality of something.
The surface or outward appearance, often implying it is shallow or deceptive. Commonly used in phrases like うわべだけ (just on the surface).
うわべ focuses on the surface level of something (often a person's behavior or appearance) that may not reflect the inside. 見せかけ emphasizes intentional deception or pretense. うわべ is more common in everyday speech.
うわべの態度と本音は違う。
His outward attitude and true feelings are different.
それは見せかけの友情だ。
That's a veneer of friendship.
Do not use 突き板 or ベニヤ to mean a superficial appearance. Those words only refer to physical wood veneer. For the figurative sense, use うわべ or 見せかけ.
彼の怒りはうわべの礼儀で覆われていた。
A thin veneer of politeness covered his anger.
そのキャビネットはパーティクルボードに木の突き板を貼ったものだ。
The cabinet is made of particleboard with a wood veneer.
This table is finished with a veneer.
Decorative laminate or veneer board, often used for furniture and interior surfaces. Implies a cosmetic finish.
化粧板を使うと安く見えることがある。
Using veneer can sometimes make it look cheap.
From 'veneer', commonly used for plywood or thin wood sheets. Often implies lower quality or construction material.
ベニヤ板で棚を作った。
I made a shelf out of veneer board.
Technical term for a single layer of veneer, used in woodworking and manufacturing.
単板を何層も重ねて合板を作る。
Plywood is made by layering multiple veneers.
彼の親切はうわべだけだ。
His kindness is just a veneer.
うわべに惑わされてはいけない。
Don't be fooled by the veneer.
A pretense or facade, something that is made to look real but is not. Emphasizes deception.
彼の自信は見せかけに過ぎない。
His confidence is merely a veneer.
Literally 'thin outer appearance', a more direct translation that conveys the idea of a superficial layer.
その会社の倫理規定は薄っぺらな外観に過ぎなかった。
The company's code of ethics was just a thin veneer.
Ostentation or false decoration; implies a veneer of elegance or culture that is not genuine. More literary.
彼女の洗練された態度は虚飾に満ちていた。
Her refined manner was full of veneer.