嘘 and 建前 are Totally Different from Each Other
What is the difference between 嘘 and 建前? Both of them are “false”. However, the meaning of them is absolutely different. Let me introduce what they mean and how to correctly use 嘘 and 建前 today!
嘘(uso)
Lie/False / 谎言 / 거짓말 / Nói dối
“嘘” means “Lie or false” and which has been used as the meaning of “false”. People hate “嘘” and which is bad. Someone wants to get a good result by lying, unlike 建前. Although the meaning of “嘘” has been used bad meaning, “嘘” has a good meaning which is “White lie” called “優しい嘘“, “お世辞“, “悪意のない嘘” including “建前“, etc.




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建前(tatemae)
Public stance / 客套话 / 빈말 / nịnh bợ which is “White lie” ca
“建前” means “Public stance” and which has been used as the meaning of “white lie”. So, “建前” is one of the lies, however, when someone uses “建前” to people in public or business situation, he/she doesn’t want to break a good atmosphere or doesn’t want to lose company’s benefit by saying his/her true opinion. “建前” seems to be kind, but if someone often uses it among your friends, he/she won’t get a real friend. So, that’s why people use their private opinion and public stance depending on what the situations are.




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