Definition

Verb: - To give oneself airs, to put on airs, to act superior: To behave in a way that shows you think you are better, more important, or more knowledgeable than others. It implies arrogance and a sense of false superiority.

Usage

This verb is used to criticize someone's arrogant or condescending behavior. It often describes a person who suddenly acts superior after gaining a small advantage, new knowledge, or a minor position. - It is commonly used in negative or admonishing contexts. - The structure is typically: Subject + lên mặt + (with someone/about something).

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta mới được thăng chức một chút đã lên mặt với đồng nghiệp cũ. (He just got a small promotion and already started putting on airs with his old colleagues.)
  • Đừng có lên mặt dạy đời khi chính mình còn chưa hiểu thấu đáo. (Don't give yourself airs and lecture others when you yourself don't fully understand the matter.)
  • Cô ấy chẳng biết gì nhiều hơn chúng tôi nhưng lúc nào cũng lên mặt ta đây. (She doesn't know much more than us, but she always acts so superior.)

Advanced Usage

• "lên mặt dạy đời": A very common fixed phrase meaning "to give oneself airs and lecture/sermonize others" or "to act like a know-it-all and preach."
  • Anh ấy thích lên mặt dạy đời người khác. (He likes to put on airs and lecture other people.)

Variants and Related Words

• Làm cao (verb): To act high and mighty; a close synonym.
• Lên giọng (verb): Literally "to raise one's tone"; to speak in a condescending or lecturing manner. Often used in similar contexts.
• Kiêu ngạo (adjective): Arrogant, haughty. Describes the characteristic, while "lên mặt" describes the specific act.
• Hênh hoang (verb/adjective): To brag boastfully, to be boastful. Shares the theme of showing off but is more about verbal boasting.

Synonyms

• To act superior: Hành xử như thể mình cao cấp hơn.
• To be conceited: Tự cao, tự đắc.
• To be haughty: Ngạo mạn, kiêu kỳ.

Related Idioms

• "Được voi đòi tiên" / "Được đằng chân lân đằng đầu": These idioms describe greed and overreach. While not direct synonyms, they share the thematic connection of someone becoming presumptuous after a small gain, which can lead to "lên mặt" behavior.
• "Lên mặt ta đây": An emphatic, colloquial form of "lên mặt," strongly emphasizing the "I am so great" attitude.

verb

1. to give oneself airs, to put on air