虚栄(きょえい)

きょえい
noun
vanity, vainglory
1. vanity, vainglory
The quality of seeking praise and admiration through empty displays of wealth, status, or accomplishments. Implies a hollow pride based on external appearances rather than substance.
虚栄(きょえい)心(しん)が強(つよ)い。
To have strong vanity.
虚栄(きょえい)を張(は)る。
To put on airs / to show off.
虚栄(きょえい)のために借金(しゃっきん)してまでブランド品(ひん)を買(か)う。
To go into debt for vanity's sake to buy brand-name goods.
虚栄(きょえい)に満(み)ちた生活(せいかつ)は空(むな)しい。
A life full of vanity is empty.

虚栄(きょえい) combines 虚(きょ) (empty, hollow) and 栄(えい) (glory, flourishing), expressing the idea of hollow glory or empty pride.

Key expressions:

  • 虚栄(きょえい)心(しん) (vanity - literally "vain heart")
  • 虚栄(きょえい)を張(は)る (to put on airs, show off)

Characteristics:

  • Negative connotation
  • Often criticizes superficial concern with appearances
  • Associated with showing off wealth, status, or achievements

Related words:

  • 見栄(みえ): vanity, show, appearance
  • 見栄(みえ)を張(は)る: to put on a show
  • 虚勢(きょせい): bluff, bravado
  • プライド: pride (neutral)
general
Added 2026.2.2 0:18
09000/09464_kyoei