姿

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 姿 (すがた) is a noun for the visible figure, form, or appearance of a person or thing.
• Basic usage: It can refer to a physical figure or to the way someone or something appears.
  • 霧の向こうに人の姿が見えた。 — A person's figure appeared through the fog.
  • 鏡に映る自分の姿を静かに見つめた。 — I quietly looked at my reflection in the mirror.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Appearance and whole figure
  • 外見 tends to emphasize outward looks or impression, while 姿 can include the whole visible form and posture.