逞强 chěngqiáng to show off
to show off; to try to be brave
How to remember 逞强: 逞 indulge oneself + 强 strong = to show off.
Characters
How it is used
- 'To show off strength / try to look tough' beyond one's real ability - 别逞强，让我来帮你 (bié chěngqiáng, ràng wǒ lái bāng nǐ) don't try to be a hero, let me help you.
- Carries disapproval: overreaching to seem capable or brave. Often 逞强好胜 (chěngqiáng hàoshèng) competitive and unwilling to admit weakness.
- Distinguish from honest 坚强 (jiānqiáng, genuinely strong); 逞强 is about false bravado.