夸耀

• Pinyin: kuā yào
• Hanzi breakdown: 夸 = boast; 耀 = 光 (light) + 翟 — to shine/dazzle

Meaning

To show off; to flaunt; to boast about. Displaying or talking about one's achievements to impress others.

Carries a more negative connotation than 夸奖. Implies excessive or inappropriate self-promotion. Often used when someone is showing off possessions, achievements, or status.

Examples

1. 他总喜欢夸耀自己的财富和人脉。 He always likes to show off his wealth and connections.
2. 没必要到处夸耀你的成就。 There's no need to go around boasting about your achievements.
3. 她从不夸耀自己的学历背景。 She never flaunts her educational background.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, social observation, behavior

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他在夸耀他的新车。(He's showing off his new car.)
• 夸耀自己的成绩不是好习惯。(Boasting about your achievements is not a good habit.)

Don't Say

• 用夸耀作为正面词汇，如'我们应该夸耀这个成就'。(夸耀 has negative connotations — use 宣传 or 展示 for positive contexts)

Origin & History

Compound of 夸 (boast) + 耀 (shine/dazzle). Literally 'to boast and shine.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal