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Dictionary › TOPIK 6

TOPIK 6noun

허장성세

heojangseongse

허장성세가 · 허장성세를

bluster, empty bravado, putting on a show of strength

Example

그의 자신감은 허장성세에 불과했어요.

His confidence was nothing but empty bluster.

Word parts

허 empty장 stretch성 voice세 power

Literally 'puffing up emptiness, inflating one's voice and power.'

Good to know

Often paired with 부리다: 허장성세를 부리다 means to bluster or put on airs.