mẽ
Definition
- Noun:
- Outward appearance; facade; semblance: The external, often superficial, impression or manner that someone or something presents to others. It can imply a display that may not reflect the true nature or substance within.
- Pretense; show: A manner or display intended to create a false or exaggerated impression of one's status, wealth, or abilities.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Anh ta có mẽ đấy. (He has a certain outward appearance / He puts on a good show.)
- Đừng tin vào cái mẽ bên ngoài. (Don't trust the external facade.)
- Hắn chỉ thích khoe mẽ. (He just likes to show off / put on airs.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "mẽ" is almost exclusively used in fixed, idiomatic expressions, particularly "khoe mẽ" (to show off, to boast). It is rarely used as an independent noun in modern, everyday speech outside of these set phrases.
Variants and Related Words
- Khoe mẽ (v): to show off, to boast, to flaunt. This is the most common collocation.
- Cô ấy luôn khoe mẽ về chiếc xe mới. (She is always showing off her new car.)
Synonyms
- Facade: a superficial appearance or illusion.
- Pretense: an attempt to make something false appear true.
- Semblance: the outward appearance or apparent form of something.
- Show: a display or exhibition intended for public view.
Related Idioms
- Khoe mẽ: to show off, to boast.
- Anh ấy chỉ biết khoe mẽ chứ không có thực tài. (He only knows how to show off but has no real talent.)