夸耀 is a verb meaning 'to show off' or 'to flaunt' — typically with pride, often in a way that others may find boastful or excessive. The first character 夸 (kuā) means 'to praise' or 'to exaggerate', while 耀 (yào) means 'to shine' or 'to dazzle'. Together, they evoke the image of making something shine brightly in front of others to impress or gain admiration. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting vanity or lack of humility.

This word is commonly used when someone emphasizes their achievements, possessions, status, or abilities in an effort to elevate themselves socially. It frequently appears in narratives describing interpersonal dynamics — such as a child boasting about a parent’s wealth, or an employee exaggerating their role in a project. While grammatically it functions as a transitive verb (requiring an object), it can also appear in passive or reflexive constructions, especially in written or formal speech.