Japanese meaning of 面目一新
Reading:
めんもくいっしん (menmoku isshin)
English Translation:
Complete renewal of appearance or reputation
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
To refresh one’s image or operations dramatically, often after a setback.
Cultural Context:
Used with renovations, rebrands, UI overhauls (“サイトを面目一新”); implies tangible change, not mere rhetoric.
体制・外観・評価ががらりと良い方向へ一新されること。
店舗改装・ブランド刷新・UI改善の常套句。単なるスローガンで終わらない実質的変化が前提。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for renewed reputation; often with “を果たす.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as hiding past faults.
Example
Basic Example
改装で店の面目一新を図った。
The renovation aimed for a complete renewal of the store's image.
Applied Example
新調した甲冑で兵士たちは面目一新、士気も高まった。
With their new armor, the soldiers had a complete renewal of appearance or reputation, and their morale soared.