WORD DETAIL
傍目
はため
Examples
Included kanji
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
傍目(はため) is a noun for an outside observer’s perspective or how something appears to others. - Basic usage:
傍目には順調そうcontrasts an apparently smooth situation with the person’s private concern, while傍目にも分かるsays closeness is evident even to outsiders.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Outside appearance and inner reality
傍目にはusesはto contrast the outsider’s view, while傍目にもusesもto add that outsiders can perceive it as well. That view need not always match the inner reality.

