虚有其表 superficial
Explanation
指的是外表好看，实际上没有真才实学或内涵。比喻外表华丽而实际上空虚或无能。
Refers to someone or something that looks good on the outside but lacks real ability or substance. It is a metaphor for something that is outwardly splendid but inwardly empty or incompetent.
Origin Story
唐玄宗十分欣赏工部侍郎苏廷硕的正直和才华，想任命他为宰相。他让萧嵩起草诏书，并要求修改诏书中“国之宝”三个字，以避开苏廷硕父亲苏之的名讳。萧嵩因不敢擅自改动，被玄宗斥责为“虚有其表”。这个故事说明了，真正的能力不仅仅体现在外表，更重要的是内在的修养和才能。萧嵩虽然表面上风度翩翩，但关键时刻却缺乏胆识和处理政务的能力，因此被玄宗皇帝认为是徒有虚表。他只是长得好看，但没有真才实学，无法胜任这份重要的工作。 后来，苏廷硕果然不负众望，在宰相的职位上表现出色，为国家做出了巨大贡献。而萧嵩的事件则成为了一个警示，提醒人们不要被表面的光鲜所迷惑，要注重内在的修养和真正的能力。
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang greatly admired the integrity and talent of Minister Su Tingshuo and wanted to appoint him as prime minister. He commissioned Xiao Song to draft the imperial edict and requested modifications to the three characters “national treasure” to avoid the name of Su Tingshuo’s father, Su Zhi. Because Xiao Song dared not make unauthorized changes, he was rebuked by Xuanzong as “only outward appearance.” This story illustrates that true ability lies not just in outward appearances, but also in inner cultivation and talent. While Xiao Song was outwardly graceful, in critical moments he lacked the courage and competence to handle administrative matters, and thus was considered by Emperor Xuanzong to be merely superficial. He was merely handsome, lacking true talent and learning, making him unfit for this crucial role. Later, Su Tingshuo indeed lived up to expectations, performing outstandingly as prime minister and making great contributions to the country. The incident with Xiao Song serves as a warning, reminding people not to be deceived by outward glamour, but to focus on inner cultivation and true ability.
Usage
用于形容人或事物只注重外表，而缺乏实际内涵或能力。
Used to describe people or things that focus only on outward appearances and lack actual substance or ability.
Examples
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他虽然穿着光鲜，但实际能力很差，真是虚有其表。
ta suiran chuanzhe guangxian,dan shiji nengli hen chai,zhen shi xu you qi biao.
Although he is well-dressed, his actual ability is poor, which is really just a facade.
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不要被他的外表迷惑了，他虚有其表，内里空空如也。
buya bei ta de waibiao mihuo le,ta xu you qi biao,neili kongkong ru ye
Don't be fooled by his appearance, he is empty inside, just an empty shell.