逞强

• Pinyin: chěng qiáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 逞 = 辶 (movement) + 呈 (present) = to flaunt; 强 = 弓 (bow) + 虫 (insect) = strong

Meaning

To act tough; to force oneself to appear strong; to put up a brave front when struggling.

Describes hiding weakness or difficulty and pretending to be strong or capable. Can be used critically (for stubbornness) or sympathetically (for someone struggling but not admitting it).

Examples

1. 身体不舒服就别逞强了，赶紧去医院看看。 If you're not feeling well, stop acting tough and go to the hospital.
2. 她明明很难过，却还在逞强说自己没事。 She was clearly upset, but kept putting up a brave front saying she was fine.
3. 搬这么重的东西你一个人逞强干什么，让我帮你。 Why are you trying to carry such heavy things alone? Let me help you.

Usage Guide

Context: concern, criticism, care

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 你别逞强，有困难就说出来。(Don't act tough; if you have difficulties, just say so.)
• 他总是逞强，从不肯承认自己不行。(He always acts tough and never admits he can't handle things.)

Don't Say

• 他逞强地完成了工作 (逞强 implies negative pretending; for successfully completing work despite difficulty, use 勉强 or 硬撑)

Origin & History

Compound of 逞 (to flaunt/show off) and 强 (strong). Describes pretending to be stronger than one actually is.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal