衒 (xuàn) - To boast & to show off

衒Tone 4

xuàn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

衒 · xuàn

To boast;

to show off;

to flaunt one's abilities or possessions.

To boastto show offto flaunt one's abilities or possessions.

Usage highlights

To boast of one's wealthTo show off one's talentTo flaunt goods for saleTo brag about one's learningTo parade one's skillsTo display ostentatiously

Synonyms

  • 炫— to dazzle; to show off
  • 耀— to shine; to show off
  • 夸— to boast; to exaggerate

Antonyms

  • 谦— modest; humble
  • 逊— modest; unassuming

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He often boasts about his wealth (衒富).
  • She shows off her talent (衒才).
  • The merchant flaunted his goods to attract customers (衒卖).

Collocations

  • To boast of one's wealth(衒富)
  • To show off one's talent(衒才)
  • To flaunt goods for sale(衒卖)
  • To brag about one's learning(衒学)
  • To parade one's skills(衒技)
  • To display ostentatiously(衒耀)

Idioms

  • To boast and show off(衒玉自售)
  • To parade one's abilities(衒材扬己)
  • To flaunt one's wealth and status(衒富摆贵)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • This character carries a negative connotation in Chinese culture, associated with immodesty and arrogance.
  • Traditional Confucian values emphasize humility and modesty, making boasting generally frowned upon.
  • The character appears in classical texts warning against the dangers of self-promotion.

FAQ