heoi1 zoeng1 sing1 sai3虛張聲勢虚张声势
Jyutpingheoi1 zoeng1 sing1 sai3
Yalehēui jēung sīng sai
Definition
To make an empty show of strength to scare others; to bluff.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of skepticism towards the subject, implying that their outward display of power is merely a facade to mask internal weakness. It is frequently used to call out someone who is acting tough or making threats they have no intention or ability to carry out. Unlike simple lying, this term specifically focuses on the performance of aggression or confidence.
Examples
He is just bluffing, don't believe him.
Related words
Common phrases
purely a bluff
Common mistake
Often confused with 扮嘢, which is a much broader term for acting fake or pretentious. While 扮嘢 can be used for any kind of insincere behavior, 虛張聲勢 is strictly reserved for situations involving intimidation or a show of force.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
