xūróng: 虚荣 - Vanity, Vain, Vainglory

Keywords: xurong, 虚荣, vanity in Chinese, vain definition, Chinese word for vain, vainglory, superficial, Chinese culture, empty glory, HSK 5, Chinese vocabulary

Summary: Learn the Chinese word for vanity, 虚荣 (xūróng). This guide explores its meaning of “empty glory,” breaking down the characters 虚 (empty) and 荣 (glory). Discover how xūróng is deeply connected to cultural concepts like “face” (面子) and how it's used in modern China to describe a superficial desire for admiration based on possessions, status, or appearance. This page provides practical examples, cultural insights, and common mistakes to help you master this essential HSK 5 term.

Pinyin (with tone marks): xūróng

Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: The quality of having excessive pride in one's own appearance, achievements, or possessions for the sake of impressing others; vanity.

In a Nutshell: 虚荣 (xūróng) describes a specific type of pride that is hollow and superficial. It's not about genuine self-worth but about seeking admiration and envy from others through external things like luxury brands, social status, or exaggerated achievements. The feeling is negative, implying an inner emptiness that one tries to fill with outside approval.

虚 (xū): This character means “empty,” “hollow,” “false,” or “unreal.” Think of an empty room (空虚 - kōngxū) or a虛線 (xūxiàn), a “dotted line” which is not solid.

荣 (róng): This character means “glory,” “honor,” or “splendor.” It’s found in words like 荣誉 (róngyù - honor) and 繁荣 (fánróng - prosperous).

Together, 虚荣 (xūróng) literally translates to “empty glory” or “hollow honor.” This brilliant combination perfectly captures the idea that the admiration sought is superficial and lacks real substance or merit.

虚荣 (xūróng) is inextricably linked to the core Chinese cultural concept of 面子 (miànzi), or “face.” “Face” is a person's reputation, social standing, and dignity in the eyes of others. Actions driven by 虚荣 are often attempts to gain or preserve 面子. For example, buying a car one can't afford to impress neighbors is a classic case of 虚荣 aimed at boosting one's 面子.

Comparison to Western “Vanity”: While “vanity” is a close translation, 虚荣 (xūróng) carries a stronger, more explicit condemnation of being “empty.” In Western culture, taking pride in one's appearance can sometimes be framed positively as “self-care” or “confidence.” In contrast, 虚荣 is almost always a criticism. It points to a moral or personal failing—a lack of inner substance and an over-reliance on the shallow judgment of society. It's less about “I look good” and more about “I need others to think I am impressive.”

With China's rapid economic growth, 虚荣 has become a common term in discussions about consumerism, materialism (拜金主义 - bàijīn zhǔyì), and the pressures of social media, where individuals curate an image of a perfect, successful life.

Connotation: Exclusively negative. Calling someone 虚荣 is a direct criticism of their character and motivations.

Formality: Used in both formal and informal contexts. You might hear it in a casual conversation between friends or read it in a serious social commentary.

Common Collocation: The most frequent usage is in the term 虚荣心 (xūróng xīn), which means “a vain heart/mind” or “the feeling of vanity.” People are often described as having a “strong sense of vanity” (虚荣心很强 - xūróngxīn hěn qiáng).

面子 (miànzi) - “Face”; social standing. 虚荣 is often a destructive way to try and gain 面子.

虚荣心 (xūróng xīn) - The state or feeling of vanity. The most common way 虚荣 is used in a sentence (e.g., “他的虚荣心太强了” - “His vanity is too strong”).

炫耀 (xuànyào) - To show off, to flaunt. This is the primary action driven by 虚荣.

攀比 (pānbǐ) - To compare with and try to surpass others (materially or socially). A behavior that stems directly from 虚荣心.

爱面子 (ài miànzi) - Lit. “to love face.” Describes a person who is very concerned with their social image, often a characteristic of a 虚荣 person.

拜金 (bàijīn) - To worship money, to be materialistic. A common value system that fuels 虚荣.

浮夸 (fúkuā) - Pompous, exaggerated, ostentatious. This adjective describes the style and behavior that often accompanies 虚荣.

自信 (zìxìn) - Self-confidence. A key antonym. 自信 is internal and positive; 虚荣 is external and negative.

骄傲 (jiāo'ào) - Pride, arrogance. Can be positive or negative, but lacks the specific “empty” connotation of 虚荣.

自卑 (zìbēi) - To have low self-esteem. Paradoxically, psychologists might argue that extreme 虚荣 often stems from a deep-seated feeling of 自卑.