Meaning
夸耀 means to boast about or show off one's achievements, possessions, or abilities in order to gain admiration or impress others. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting vanity or excessive pride. The word combines 夸 (to praise, to exaggerate) with 耀 (to shine, to dazzle), creating the sense of making something shine brightly to draw attention.
Usage
夸耀 is typically used in written or formal contexts and carries a disapproving tone. Native speakers use it to describe someone who brags excessively or flaunts their accomplishments inappropriately. It often appears with objects like 自己的成绩 (one's achievements), 财富 (wealth), or 能力 (abilities). Less common in casual daily conversation than simpler terms like 炫耀.
Examples
- 01他总是夸耀自己的财富，让人觉得很不舒服。, .He's always showing off his wealth, which makes people feel very uncomfortable.
- 02真正有实力的人不需要到处夸耀自己的成就。.People with real ability don't need to boast about their achievements everywhere.
Characters
Common collocations
- 夸耀自己to boast about oneself
- 夸耀成绩to show off one's achievements
- 到处夸耀to boast everywhere
Antonyms
Origin
The character 夸 originally meant to speak in an exaggerated manner, while 耀 derives from the radical for light (光) and suggests brilliance or dazzling display. Together they create a word meaning to make one's qualities shine brightly through exaggerated speech.