vẻ ngoài
Definition
- Noun:
- Appearance; outward look: The way a person, object, or place looks on the surface; its external aspect or impression.
- Exterior; surface: The outer part or visible characteristics of something, which may or may not reflect its true nature.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Vẻ ngoài của tòa nhà rất hiện đại. (The building's appearance is very modern.)
- Đừng đánh giá ai đó chỉ qua vẻ ngoài. (Don't judge someone solely by their outward look.)
- Cô ấy có vẻ ngoài lạnh lùng nhưng tính tình rất ấm áp. (She has a cold exterior but a very warm personality.)
Advanced Usage
- "Vẻ bề ngoài": A slightly more formal variant emphasizing the superficial, external layer.
- Vẻ bề ngoài có thể đánh lừa chúng ta. (The outward surface can deceive us.)
Variants and Related Words
Bề ngoài (n): The outside; the surface. Often used interchangeably with "vẻ ngoài."
- Anh ta chỉ tốt ở bề ngoài. (He is only good on the outside.)
Ngoại hình (n): Physical appearance; physique (often used specifically for living beings).
- Cô ấy có ngoại hình ưa nhìn. (She has a pleasing physical appearance.)
Synonyms
- Appearance: The way that someone or something looks.
- Exterior: The outer surface or structure of something.
- Facade: An outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant reality.
Related Idioms
Tốt gỗ hơn tốt nước sơn: Literally "Good wood is better than good paint." It means inner quality is more important than outward appearance.
- Khi mua đồ, nhớ "tốt gỗ hơn tốt nước sơn." (When buying things, remember that substance is more important than appearance.)
Trông mặt mà bắt hình dong: Literally "Look at the face to guess the shape." It means to judge someone's character or background based on their appearance (often used critically).
- Ông ta hay trông mặt mà bắt hình dong. (He often judges a book by its cover.)