华而不实 — “Showy but lacking in substance”
华而不实 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “Showy but lacking in substance”. Superficially attractive but without real content or value. It describes something or someone that looks good on the outside but is hollow or empty within. Literally, “Flowery but not substantial”.
华而不实 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 华huá
- 而ér
- 不bù
- 实shí
华而不实 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 华而不实
Origin and Story of 华而不实
Originating from 'Zuo Zhuan, Duke Wen's Fifth Year,' where it states: 'Moreover, being showy but not substantial, it gathers resentment.' 'Hua' refers to flowers or being flowery/showy, while 'Shi' refers to fruit or substance. The idiom literally means 'to flower but not bear fruit,' metaphorically describing something that looks beautiful on the outside but lacks actual content or practical value. It can also refer to individuals who appear knowledgeable or impressive but are, in fact, empty-headed.
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Yang Chufu, a high-ranking official from the State of Jin, was on an diplomatic mission to the State of Wei. On his return journey, he passed through Ningyi and sought lodging at an inn. The innkeeper, a man surnamed Ying, was greatly impressed by Yang Chufu's distinguished appearance and refined demeanor. He confided in his wife, saying, 'For many years, I've longed to serve a person of noble character, but despite my diligent search, I haven't found anyone suitable. Today, I believe Yang Chufu is an excellent choice, and I am determined to follow him.'
After obtaining Yang Chufu's consent, the innkeeper bid farewell to his wife and embarked on the journey with him. As they traveled, Yang Chufu engaged in various conversations with the innkeeper, who listened intently. However, as soon as they had left the county boundary of Ningyi, the innkeeper abruptly changed his mind and parted ways with Yang Chufu.
His wife, puzzled by her husband's unexpected return, inquired, 'You finally found someone suitable; why did you not go with him? Weren't you very resolute? You needn't worry about affairs at home.'
The innkeeper explained, 'I was captivated by his impressive appearance and believed him to be trustworthy. However, as I listened to his words, I found them exceedingly displeasing. I feared that by accompanying him, I would not gain any wisdom but instead invite misfortune. Therefore, I abandoned my original intention.'
In the innkeeper's estimation, Yang Chufu was a 'hua er bu shi' (showy but not substantial) individual. Hence, the innkeeper resolutely left him.
Idioms Related to 华而不实
Synonyms of 华而不实
Antonyms of 华而不实
More idioms starting with 华
- huá华bù不zài再yáng扬Time and opportunities are transient
- huà华tíng亭hè鹤lì唳Long for the past
- huá华guān冠lì丽fú服splendidly dressed
- huá华fà发cāng苍yán颜white hair and aged face
- huá华fēng封sān三zhù祝three blessings of longevity, prosperity, and descendants
- huá华wū屋qiū丘xū墟grand mansions become ruins
- huá华wū屋shān山qiū丘glory to ruin
- huá华wū屋qiū秋xū墟magnificent mansions become autumn ruins
- huá华xīng星qiū秋yuè月exceptionally brilliant and elegant writing
- huá华ér而shī失shí实showy but without substance
- huá华gǔn衮zhī之zèng赠A grand and precious gift
- huá华diān颠lǎo老zǐ子venerable white-haired elder
Questions about 华而不实
- What does 华而不实 mean?
- 华而不实 (huá ér bù shí) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “Showy but lacking in substance”.
- How do you pronounce 华而不实?
- 华而不实 is pronounced huá ér bù shí in Mandarin Chinese.
- What does 华而不实 literally mean?
- Literally, 华而不实 means “Flowery but not substantial”. It is used to mean “Showy but lacking in substance”.
- Where does 华而不实 come from?
- 华而不实 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 华而不实?
- 华：开花。花开得好看，但不结果实。比喻外表好看，内容空虚。