khoe mẽ
Definition
- Verb:
- To show off; to boast: To display or talk about one's abilities, possessions, or achievements in an excessive, proud, and often annoying way, typically to gain admiration. This action is often perceived as vain, empty, or lacking real substance.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh ta chỉ biết khoe mẽ về chiếc xe mới của mình. (He only knows how to show off his new car.)
- Đừng khoe mẽ nữa, hãy chứng minh bằng hành động đi. (Stop boasting; prove it with actions instead.)
- Cô ấy khoe mẽ về điểm số cao của mình với cả lớp. (She showed off her high scores to the whole class.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "khoe mẽ" carries a strong negative connotation. It implies that the boasting is shallow, foolish, or intended to cover up a lack of true quality or merit. It is more critical than the neutral verb "khoe" (to show, to display).
Variants and Related Words
- Khoe (v): to show, to display. This can be neutral or positive (e.g., – to showcase achievements).
- Khoe khoang (v): to brag, to boast. Very similar in meaning to "khoe mẽ", often used interchangeably.
- Khoe của (v): to show off one's wealth or possessions.
Synonyms
- To boast: To talk with excessive pride.
- To brag: To say something in a boastful manner.
- To show off: To behave in a way intended to attract attention or admiration.
- To swagger: To boast or brag noisily.
Related Idioms
- Khoe mẽ như con công: To show off like a peacock. This idiom vividly describes someone who is ostentatiously displaying themselves.
- Cậu ấy lúc nào cũng khoe mẽ như con công. (He's always showing off like a peacock.)
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Show off
