夸夸其谈

kuākuā-qítán

to talk big

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"夸夸其谈" is a Chinese idiom used to describe someone who talks boastfully or exaggerates without backing up their words with real actions. It often carries a negative connotation, implying empty talk or bragging.

Common Contexts

This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversations, business meetings, or critiques when someone is perceived as speaking grandly but lacking substance or practical follow-through.

Typical Collocations

Usage Tips

When using "夸夸其谈," the speaker usually wants to criticize or highlight the emptiness of someone's words. It is not a compliment and should be used carefully to avoid offending.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "夸夸其谈" with simply "夸张" (exaggerate) or "吹牛" (brag). "夸夸其谈" specifically refers to verbose, boastful talk that lacks substance, often in a formal or semi-formal context.

Example Sentences

他总是夸夸其谈,却很少做实际的事情。

Tā zǒng shì kuākuā-qítán, què hěn shǎo zuò shíjì de shìqíng.

He always talks big but rarely does anything practical.

会议上他夸夸其谈,结果没有给出任何解决方案。

Huìyì shàng tā kuākuā-qítán, jiéguǒ méiyǒu gěi chū rènhé jiějué fāng'àn.

He talked big during the meeting but ended up giving no solutions.

不要夸夸其谈,实际行动才是最重要的。

Bùyào kuākuā-qítán, shíjì xíngdòng cái shì zuì zhòngyào de.

Don't just talk big; actual action is what matters most.