1.
vanity; showing off; putting on airs
The act of trying to appear better, wealthier, or more capable than one actually is.
見栄を張って高い車を買った。
I bought an expensive car to show off.
見栄っ張りな性格を直したい。
I want to fix my habit of showing off.
見栄を張らずに素直に生きたい。
I want to live honestly without putting on airs.
2.
pose; dramatic pause (in kabuki)
A stylized, dramatic pose struck by kabuki actors at climactic moments.
歌舞伎役者が見栄を切った。
The kabuki actor struck a dramatic pose.
舞台のクライマックスで主役が見事な見栄を切り、観客から大きな拍手が起こった。
At the climax of the performance, the lead actor struck a magnificent dramatic pose, and loud applause erupted from the audience.
歌舞伎の見栄は、役者が目を大きく見開いて動きを止める独特の演技だ。
A mie in kabuki is a distinctive acting technique where the actor widens their eyes and freezes in place.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 見栄を張る (to show off, to put on airs)
- 見栄っ張り (noun/na-adj: show-off, vain person)
- 見栄を切る (to strike a dramatic pose - kabuki term)
KABUKI ORIGIN:
The theatrical term (見栄を切る) refers to the stylized pose where actors cross their eyes, turn their head sharply, and freeze at a dramatic moment. This pose emphasizes emotion and is unique to kabuki.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 虚栄心 (vanity, conceit) - more abstract, internal feeling
- 見栄 focuses on the outward display of vanity
NUANCE:
見栄を張る often implies spending beyond one's means or pretending to be more successful than one is.
Related Words
Related:
虚栄心 (vanity)