外見

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 外見 is read がいけん and means outward appearance.
• Basic usage: It applies both to a person's appearance and to the outside of an object such as a box.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A similar expression and its tone
  • 見た目 is common in everyday conversation for how something looks or the impression it gives.
  • 外見 is also used to contrast outward appearance with inner qualities such as character or contents.