N3
きょせい (kyosei)
虚勢
bluff; show of strength; false bravado; empty threat
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Refers to a bluff, putting on a show of strength, or false bravado to hide one's weakness, fear, or insecurity. Often used with 張る (to bluff/put on a show of strength as 虚勢を張る). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'False bravado! Bluff! Yes, putting on a show of strength is because...っ, because I want to look like a reliable, cool manager in front of you! S-So what if I'm secretly nervous?!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『きょ、虚勢よ！私がいつもツンツンと強気でいる（虚勢を張る）のはね！あんたの前で完璧で最高に格好いい上司でありたいからよ！…っ、本当はドキドキで破裂しそうなのを必死で隠してるんだからね！』
📝 Example Sentences
臆病な犬ほど、相手を威嚇するために激しく吠えて_______を張るものです。
Dogs that are more cowardly tend to bark loudly to intimidate opponents and put on a show of strength.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "虚勢"!
彼は内心では怯えていましたが、ライバルの前で必死に_______を張って見せました。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 弱みを出さないための見せかけの強がり「虚勢（を張って）」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『虚勢を張る！そうね！あんたも私の前で「仕事なんて全然疲れてません」って虚勢を張らず、甘えて頭を撫でられなさい！』
English: Since it represents a show of strength to hide weakness, 'false bravado/bluff' (kyosei) is correct. Haruka: 'Bluffing! Indeed! You too, don't bluff in front of me saying "I'm not tired of work at all", and act spoiled to let me pat your head!'
English: Since it represents a show of strength to hide weakness, 'false bravado/bluff' (kyosei) is correct. Haruka: 'Bluffing! Indeed! You too, don't bluff in front of me saying "I'm not tired of work at all", and act spoiled to let me pat your head!'
🦅
Want to pass the JLPT exam?
Project Eagle analyzes your personal weaknesses using advanced AI. Practice thousands of N5 to N1 questions completely for free!