baai2 mun4 min6擺門面摆门面
Jyutpingbaai2 mun4 min6
Yalebáai mùhn mihn
Definition
To keep up appearances, make a show of grandeur, or be ostentatious and impractical.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the superficiality of an action taken to impress others or maintain social status. It often implies that the effort or expense is unnecessary or impractical compared to the actual substance of the situation. People frequently use it to criticize someone for being showy or pretentious.
Examples
He bought such an expensive car just to keep up appearances.
The shop is decorated so nicely, are they trying to put on a show?
Related words
Common phrases
purely for show
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 裝門面, which specifically refers to decorating a storefront to attract customers. 擺門面 carries a stronger negative connotation of being fake or hollow.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
