phô trương thanh thế
[fo˧˧ t͡ɕɨəŋ˧˧ tʰajŋ̟˧˧ tʰe˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(verb) to bluff, to make an empty show of strength
Verb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Trong lòng tôi bất giác thầm hoảng loạn nhưng vẫn cố tỏ ra bình tĩnh, nói: "Cô rõ ràng là đang phô trương thanh thế."I suddenly felt panicked, but I still tried to remain calm and said, "You're obviously bluffing."
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Common questions
What does “phô trương thanh thế” mean?
(verb) to bluff, to make an empty show of strength
Is “phô trương thanh thế” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.