Definition
献媚 (xiàn mèi) is a derogatory verb-object word meaning to ingratiate oneself with someone through flattery or flirtatious behavior. It is often used to describe sycophantic actions toward a superior, or coquettish attempts to win favor. Note that 献媚 cannot take a direct object; instead, you say 向某人献媚 (to fawn on someone) or 对某人献媚 (to act coquettishly toward someone).
v.o.
to ingratiate oneself withto fawn uponto act coquettishlyto flirt (to gain favor)
Examples
- 献媚，。Tā zǒng shì zài lǐngdǎo miànqián xiàn mèi, ràng rén hěn bù shūfu.He always fawns on his superiors, which makes people very uncomfortable.
- 献媚，。Tā gùyì zài lǎobǎn miànqián xiàn mèi, qǐtú jiā xīn.She deliberately acted coquettishly in front of the boss, hoping for a raise.
- ，献媚。Tā bù kào shí gàn, kào xiàn mèi shàngwèi.He didn't rely on actual work but on sycophancy to climb the ladder.
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