Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pretense" in Korean
“Pretense” in Korean is 허세 (pronounced "heose").
허세
heose
Usage & Context
Describing someone who puts on airs or pretends to be something they are not. Used to criticize fake or superficial behavior.
Example Sentence
그 사람 허세 부리지 마.
Don't put on airs.
How to use 허세 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pretense” is 허세, romanized as heose.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 허세.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "허세" is pronounced "heo-se." "허" sounds like "huh" as in "uh-huh." "세" sounds like "say" as in "say hello." The 'h' is soft, and the 'e' in 'se' is a clear 'e' sound.
More Example Sentences
Criticizing someone for pretending to be rich or important.
걔는 돈도 없으면서 맨날 허세만 부려.
That person has no money but always puts on airs.
Asking someone to be genuine and drop their pretense.
허세 부리지 말고 솔직하게 말해봐.
Don't put on airs, just tell me honestly.
Commenting on the exaggerated portrayal of wealth in a K-drama.
드라마 속 재벌 2세들의 허세가 좀 심하더라.
The pretense of the second-generation chaebols in the drama was a bit excessive.
Cultural Context
"허세" refers to putting on airs, showing off, or pretending to be more important, richer, or tougher than one actually is. It's a common criticism in Korean society, where authenticity is often valued. You'll frequently hear this term in K-dramas, especially when characters from different social classes interact, or when someone tries to impress others with superficial displays. It's often associated with a lack of genuine substance and can be used to describe anything from exaggerated boasts to flaunting expensive items one can't truly afford.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 허세 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
허세 부리다
To put on airs, to show off
허세 가득
Full of pretense
허세 덩어리
A lump of pretense (a person who is entirely pretentious)
Related Expressions
가식
gasik
Hypocrisy, pretense (more formal/stronger)
폼 잡다
pom japda
To strike a pose, to show off (often with a physical aspect)
겉멋
geonmeot
Superficial style, outward show (focus on external appearance)
과시하다
gwasihada
To show off, to flaunt (more formal verb)
More Slang Words
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