假装
Traditional: 假裝
jiǎ zhuāng HSK 5

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他假装没听见。
Tā jiǎzhuāng méi tīngjiàn.
He pretended not to hear.
她假装生病了。
Tā jiǎzhuāng shēngbìng le.
She pretended to be sick.
不要假装不知道。
Bùyào jiǎzhuāng bù zhīdào.
Don't pretend not to know.
他假装睡觉。
Tā jiǎzhuāng shuìjiào.
He pretends to sleep.
她假装高兴。
Tā jiǎzhuāng gāoxìng.
She pretends to be happy.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 假 (jiǎ) means 'fake' or 'false,' and 装 (zhuāng) means 'to dress up' or 'to install.' Think of it as 'dressing up in something false'—like putting on a costume to pretend to be someone else.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is common in everyday contexts like social interactions, storytelling, or describing situations where someone is being insincere. For example, it's often used when discussing hiding emotions (e.g., pretending to be okay) or avoiding responsibility.

📖 Grammar Points

假装 is a transitive verb and can be followed directly by a verb phrase (e.g., 假装睡觉) or a clause (e.g., 假装他不认识我). It can also be used with 成 to mean 'pretend to be' (e.g., 假装成医生). Negation is typically 不假装 or 没假装 depending on context.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, pretending might be seen in contexts like 'saving face' (保全面子), where someone might pretend not to notice an awkward situation to avoid embarrassment. It can carry a slightly negative connotation if used for deceit, but it's also common in harmless social white lies.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar words include 伪装 (wèizhuāng), which often implies a more serious or deliberate disguise (e.g., in military or espionage contexts), and 装作 (zhuāngzuò), which is slightly more literary but largely interchangeable with 假装 in meaning. 假装 is more everyday and focuses on behavioral pretense.

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