Definition
外强中干 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning 'strong in appearance but weak in reality'. Literally, 外 means 'outer', 强 means 'strong', 中 means 'middle/inner', and 干 means 'dry/deficient'. This idiom describes someone or something that looks impressive or formidable but lacks real substance or strength — similar to the English expression 'paper tiger'.
f.e.
strong in appearance but weak in realitya paper tiger
Examples
- ，外强中干，。Zhè jiā gōngsī kànqǐlái hěn qiáng, qíshí shì wài jiàng, yǐjīng qiàn le hěn duō qián.This company looks strong, but in reality it's a paper tiger, already in a lot of debt.
- ，外强中干，。Tā wàibiǎo hěn qiáng, qíshí shì wài jiàng, yī yùdào wèntí jiù huāng le.He looks tough on the surface, but he's a paper tiger; he panics as soon as he faces a problem.
- ，外强中干。Dírén de jūnduì biǎomiàn shàng hěn qiángdà, shíjì shàng shì wài jiàng.The enemy's army appears powerful on the surface, but is actually a paper tiger.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.