1.
to show off; to put on airs; to keep up appearances
To act in a way that makes oneself appear better, richer, or more capable than one actually is. Often implies vanity or insecurity.
見栄を張らなくていい。
You don't need to show off.
彼女はいつも見栄を張って高い服を買う。
She always buys expensive clothes to keep up appearances.
見栄を張って無理をすると、あとで後悔する。
If you overdo things just to show off, you'll regret it later.
USAGE:
Carries a negative connotation, suggesting that someone is being pretentious or living beyond their means. Commonly used to gently criticize vanity.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 見栄を張らない (to not show off, to be unpretentious)
- 見栄を張って無理をする (to overextend oneself to keep up appearances)
- 見栄っ張り (show-off; vain person)
GRAMMAR:
Conjugates as a godan verb (張る). 見栄っ張り is a related noun/adjective meaning "vain" or "showy."