見栄

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 見栄 is read みえ. It means vanity or concern with outward appearances.
• Basic usage: It describes vanity leading to an expensive purchase and appearances being weighed against a suitable way of life.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 見栄を張る
  • 見栄を張って高価な時計を買ってしまった means buying an expensive watch out of a desire to impress others.
• Appearance versus lifestyle
  • 見栄よりも自分に合う暮らし values a suitable way of life over keeping up appearances.