synonym Comparative
世間体
VS
うつむく
Differences Between "世間体" and "うつむく"
Option A
世間体
Meaning
decency; public reputation; appearance in eyes of society; gossip defense
Reading
せけんてい (sekentei)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
親戚の間での_______を気にするあまり、両親は息子の進路選択に対して頑なに反対し続けました。
Caring too much about public reputation among relatives, the parents stubbornly continued to oppose their son's choice of career path.
Option B
うつむく
Meaning
to look down; to cast one's eyes down
Reading
うつむく (utsumuku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼女は恥ずかしそうにうつむいた。
She looked down shyly.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(decency; public reputation; appearance in eyes of society; gossip defense)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 世間体: Refers to decency, public reputation, or appearance in the eyes of society (often concerns avoiding gossip or maintaining status in the community). Often used as 世間体が悪い or 世間体を気にする. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Public decency?! 'Holding hands closely is bad for public decency'?! Who cares about society's eyes! Outside the office, I want to be strictly your lover! Get closer!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『せけんてい（世間体）！『上司と部下が会社外でベタベタ密着してたら世間体が悪いです…』なんて言って私の手を離す気？！会社の外では世間体なんて関係ないわよ！もっと密着しなさい！』
- うつむく: Often associated with shyness, sadness, shame, or deep thought. Physical action of lowering the head.
- 世間体: Refers to decency, public reputation, or appearance in the eyes of society (often concerns avoiding gossip or maintaining status in the community). Often used as 世間体が悪い or 世間体を気にする. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Public decency?! 'Holding hands closely is bad for public decency'?! Who cares about society's eyes! Outside the office, I want to be strictly your lover! Get closer!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『せけんてい（世間体）！『上司と部下が会社外でベタベタ密着してたら世間体が悪いです…』なんて言って私の手を離す気？！会社の外では世間体なんて関係ないわよ！もっと密着しなさい！』
- うつむく: Often associated with shyness, sadness, shame, or deep thought. Physical action of lowering the head.
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