見せびらかす
misebirakasu
The English phrase 'show off' is translated into Japanese as 見せびらかす (misebirakasu).
見せびらかす is used to describe displaying something proudly or ostentatiously to gain admiration from others. It carries a slightly negative connotation, as it reflects an act of showing off in a boastful or impudent manner.
Which one should you use?
While 見せびらかす refers to ostentatious showing off, other phrases are used for different contexts. Use 披露 (hirou) when you want to describe formally presenting or showcasing something. Use 見栄を張る (mie o haru) when referring to someone putting on airs or exaggerating their achievements, possessions or capabilities.
How do you pronounce it?
misebirakasu
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, there is a subtle distinction between showing off an object and 'showing off' one's skill. For skills, people often use 鼻にかける, which literally means 'to hang something on one's nose'.
- The phrase 見栄を張る is linked to the traditional 'Kabuki' theatre. Actors perform a highly stylized and dramatic pose called a 見得 (mie) to signal a climax in the performance.
- While 見せびらかす describes the physical act of displaying an object, if you want to say someone is 'showing off' their status or wealth through their lifestyle, you might use 格好つける, which literally means 'to make a shape' or 'to pose'.
Examples in context
- 見せびらかすなよ。Don't show off.This sentence is useful for telling someone 'Don't show off' using the form 見せびらかす.Tatoeba #8537106 by small_snow, translation #1302461 by CK
- 彼は新しいマジックのトリックを披露しました。He showed off his new magic trick.
- 彼は新しい車を見せびらかしている。He's showing off his new car.
- 彼はいつも自分の成功を自慢している。He always shows off his success.
- 彼は見栄を張って高級なレストランに行った。He showed off by going to a fancy restaurant.
- 宝物をみんなに見せびらかす。Takaramono o minna ni misebirakasu.To show off one's treasures to everyone.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
