虚有其表 xū yǒu qí biǎo

looks impressive but is worthless (idiom)

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. looks impressive but is worthless (idiom)
  2. 2. not as good as it looks
  3. 3. a reputation with no substance

Characters

Character Meaning
虚 xū HSK 5
false; empty or unoccupied; (of health) weak
有 yǒu HSK 1
to have; there is; there are
其 qí HSK 3
its; their; it (refers to sth preceding it)
表 biǎo HSK 2
a form; a table (listing information)