Definition
花瓶 literally means 'flower vase', but in Chinese it also carries a strong figurative meaning: a person (especially a woman) who is hired for their good looks rather than actual competence — a 'trophy' employee. This metaphor comes from the idea that a vase is purely decorative. The term can be mildly derogatory, so use it carefully.
n.
flower vase(figurative, informal) a personespecially a womankept for their looks rather than abilitya trophy employee
Examples
- 花瓶。Zhège huā píng shì péngyou sòng gěi wǒ de shēngrì lǐwù.This flower vase is a birthday gift from a friend.
- 花瓶，。Tā zài zhège gōngsī jiù shì ge huā píng, méiyǒu shíjì gōngzuò nénglì.She's just a trophy at this company — no real work ability.
- 花瓶，。Hěn duō rén juéde tā zhǐshì piàoliang de huā píng, qíshí tā fēicháng cōngming.Many people think she's just a pretty vase, but actually she's very smart.
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