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見栄 (みえ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Meanings 1
noun
appearances ; vanity ; show
Only when written 見栄 / 見え
Refers to putting on a show to look good in front of others, often implying vanity or pretension. Common in phrases like 見栄を張る (to show off, to put on airs).
You'll get tired if you only care about appearances.
2
noun
dramatic pose ; mie (kabuki)
kabuki
A striking pose struck by a kabuki actor at a climactic moment. Usually written 見得 in this context.
Written forms 見み 栄え Usage 60%
ateji (phonetic kanji usage)
Standard kanji spelling for 'appearances' and 'vanity'. Ateji reading.
見み え Usage 19%
Alternate spelling for the 'appearances' sense, less common than 見栄.
見み 得え Usage 12%
ateji (phonetic kanji usage)
Kabuki term for a dramatic pose. Ateji reading.
ミエ Usage 5%
みえ Usage 5%
Kanji 栄 flourish, prosperity, honor Similar words 虚きょ 栄えい 虚栄 is a more formal, abstract term for 'vanity', while 見栄 is about outward show and saving face in social situations.
体てい 裁さい 体裁 also means 'appearances' or 'form', but focuses more on keeping up a proper front or form, whereas 見栄 emphasizes showing off or looking impressive.
Etymology Derived from the verb 見える (to be seen, to look). The kanji 栄 (glory, flourish) is ateji, chosen for its positive connotation related to outward appearance.
