見栄(みえ)

Common expressions

• 見栄(みえ)を張(は)る (to show off, to put on airs)
• 見栄(みえ)っ張(ぱ)り (noun / na-adjective: a show-off, a vain person)

TWO WORDS, ONE READING - 見栄(みえ) AND 見得(みえ):
Both are read みえ, and the kabuki phrase is often miswritten with the kanji of this entry.

• 見栄(みえ)を張(は)る - to put on airs (this entry)
• 見得(みえ)を切(き)る - to strike a dramatic pose on stage, or by extension to make a bold public declaration

Note the different verbs as well: 張(は)る for vanity, 切(き)る for the pose.

Similar words

• 虚栄心(きょえいしん) (vanity, conceit) - the inner feeling, more abstract and more formal.
• 見栄(みえ) is the outward display: the car, the restaurant, the story told to impress.

Usage

見栄(みえ)を張(は)る usually implies spending beyond one's means or claiming more success than one has, and it is mildly critical - including when speakers apply it to themselves.