夸张

• Pinyin: kuā zhāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 夸 = boast; 张 = 弓 (bow) + 长 (long) — stretch

Meaning

Exaggerated; over the top; hyperbolic. Describing something that goes beyond the normal or believable.

As an adjective, describes exaggerated expressions, actions, or descriptions. As a noun, refers to the rhetorical device of hyperbole. Can be neutral (artistic exaggeration) or critical (unrealistic claims).

Examples

1. 他的表情太夸张了，像在演话剧一样。 His expressions are too exaggerated — it's like he's performing in a stage play.
2. 这个广告的宣传有些夸张，不能全信。 This advertisement's claims are somewhat exaggerated and shouldn't be fully believed.
3. 夸张是一种常见的修辞手法。 Hyperbole is a common rhetorical device.

Usage Guide

Context: description, criticism, rhetoric

Tone: observational

Do Say

• 你的反应太夸张了。(Your reaction is too exaggerated.)
• 这个设计用了很多夸张的元素。(This design uses many exaggerated elements.)

Don't Say

• 把夸张和撒谎混为一谈。(Exaggeration is not the same as lying — 夸张 can be artistic or emphatic without being deceptive)

Origin & History

Compound of 夸 (boast/exaggerate) + 张 (stretch/spread). Literally 'to stretch and expand.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal