heoi1 wing4虛榮虚荣
Jyutpingheoi1 wing4
Yalehēui wìhng
Definition
Vanity; superficial glory or praise.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
Often used to describe someone who cares excessively about status symbols or how they are perceived by others. It frequently appears in the compound 虛榮心, which refers specifically to the internal feeling or drive for such vanity. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is prioritizing superficial appearances over genuine substance.
Examples
She is very vain and always likes to buy designer brands.
Don't be so vain about your work, practicality is what matters most.
Related words
Common phrases
vanity (the feeling of)
vain and status-seeking
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 驕傲, which means proud or arrogant. While 驕傲 can be positive or negative depending on context, 虛榮 is almost exclusively negative and specifically relates to the desire for external validation or status.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
