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March 24, 2026
吹牛chuīniú(chui1niu2)
吹牛 (chui1 niu2) means to boast or brag about oneself, often in an exaggerated manner. It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who talks big, making claims that are not credible or realistic. This expression can be used both playfully among friends and critically in more serious conversations.
Strokes11Frequency#7315DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued over boasting, so using 吹牛 can be seen as a playful jab among friends. However, excessive bragging can also lead to negative perceptions, reflecting an individual's character.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone blowing up a balloon (吹, chui1) that is shaped like a cow (牛, niu2). As they blow, the cow gets bigger and bigger, just like their exaggerated stories. This image can help you remember that 吹牛 is about inflating the truth, much like inflating a balloon.
Meanings of 吹牛
chuīniú(chui1niu2)
1to talk big
2to shoot off one's mouth
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 吹牛
吹牛Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7315Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 吹牛
Podcast: 吹牛
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AI Study Notes for 吹牛
Quick Contrast
吹牛 (boast) vs 夸耀 (show off) — choose 吹牛 for informal bragging, while 夸耀 carries a sense of public display or pride.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 吹牛, as it can come off as rude if directed at someone in a serious context. Common collocations include 吹牛皮 (to boast) and 吹牛话 (bragging talk). Remember that the tone is important; make sure to use a light-hearted tone to avoid offending someone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 吹牛 connects with other expressions related to communication and behavior. Focus on understanding its informal nature and how it contrasts with more serious terms for boasting. Practice using it in casual conversations to gain fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 吹牛 with other boasting expressions like 自夸. For example, saying '他在自夸' (tā zài zì kuā) instead of '他在吹牛' (tā zài chuī niú) can change the meaning to a more neutral self-praise instead of boasting.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吹牛
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Learning Lab
Knowing 吹牛 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
吹牛 (chui1 niu2) means to boast or brag about oneself, often in an exaggerated manner. It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who talks big, making claims that are not credible or realistic. This expression can be used both playfully among friends and critically in more serious conversations.
When to use 吹牛
Be cautious when using 吹牛, as it can come off as rude if directed at someone in a serious context. Common collocations include 吹牛皮 (to boast) and 吹牛话 (bragging talk). Remember that the tone is important; make sure to use a light-hearted tone to avoid offending someone.
吹牛 or something close to it
吹牛 (boast) vs 夸耀 (show off) — choose 吹牛 for informal bragging, while 夸耀 carries a sense of public display or pride.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 吹牛 with other boasting expressions like 自夸. For example, saying '他在自夸' (tā zài zì kuā) instead of '他在吹牛' (tā zài chuī niú) can change the meaning to a more neutral self-praise instead of boasting.
Write 吹牛
吹
牛
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Grammar Patterns of 吹牛
吹牛 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
