The public stance or official position shown outwardly (as opposed to one's private feelings — honne).
会議では建前を言って場を取り繕ったが、実際の考えとは違った。
At the meeting he said what was expected to keep the peace, but it differed from his real opinion.
日本では建前と本音を使い分ける場面がよくある。
In Japan it's common to separate one's public position (tatemae) from one's true feelings (honne).
政治家は建前を述べることが多いが、裏では別の話があることもある。
Politicians often state an official position, but there can be different matters behind the scenes.
A ceremony held when the framework of a house is erected (a roof-raising or beam-raising ceremony).
新築の建前が終わって、親戚や近所を招いてお祝いをした。
After the house-raising ceremony, we invited relatives and neighbors to celebrate.
古い習慣だが、建前で餅をまくところもある。
It's an old custom, but in some places people still throw rice cakes at the house-raising ceremony.