Meaning
假装 means to pretend or put on a false appearance of something. It describes the act of deliberately acting as if something is true when it isn't, or displaying emotions or behaviors that don't reflect one's true state. The word combines 假 (false) and 装 (to dress up, to install, to pretend).
Usage
假装 is commonly used in everyday speech to describe someone pretending or faking emotions, knowledge, or states of being. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting deception or insincerity. Frequently followed by adjectives, verbs, or 不 (bù) + verb patterns like 假装不知道 (pretend not to know).
Examples
- 01他假装没听见我的问题，继续看手机。, .He pretended not to hear my question and kept looking at his phone.
- 02她虽然很难过，但还是假装很开心。, .Although she was very sad, she still pretended to be happy.
Characters
Common collocations
- 假装不知道to pretend not to know
- 假装看不见to pretend not to see
- 假装生气to pretend to be angry
- 假装镇定to feign composure
Antonyms
Origin
The character 假 originally meant 'to borrow' but developed the meaning of 'false' or 'fake.' Combined with 装 (to装 dress or装 put on), the compound literally means 'to put on a false appearance.'