na-adjective
superficial; surface-level; apparent
Describes something that is only on the surface, not deep or genuine. Often used to contrast outward appearance with inner reality.
彼の謝罪は表面的なものに過ぎなかった。
His apology was merely superficial.
表面的
It's important to look beyond superficial differences and grasp the essence.
うわべ is a noun meaning 'outward appearance' or 'veneer', often used in phrases like うわべだけ (just on the surface). 表面的 is more analytical and can be used in formal contexts.
Derived from 表面 (surface) + the adjectival suffix 的 (-like, -ish). The suffix 的 turns the noun into a na-adjective meaning 'pertaining to the surface' or 'superficial'.