Meanings of 假
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About 假
Podcast: 假
Podcast: 假
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AI Study Notes for 假
假 (jiǎ) vs 虚 (xū) - use 假 for something that is specifically 'fake' or 'false,' while 虚 refers more broadly to 'empty' or 'hollow,' often implying a lack of substance.
Learners often confuse 假 with similar characters like 假装 (jiǎzhuāng), which means 'to pretend.' It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its usage in conditional phrases to avoid awkward constructions. Remember that the third tone (jiǎ) can be tricky; practice the pronunciation to distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.
At HSK Level 4, students should focus on the multiple meanings of 假, especially its use in conditional phrases and in discussing vacations. Connecting it with related vocabulary like 假期 (vacation) and 假装 (to pretend) can help reinforce its meaning.
A common mistake is using 假 incorrectly in phrases; for example, saying '假借' (jiǎjiè) instead of '借' (jiè) when simply meaning to borrow. Additionally, learners may confuse its tone with other characters; practice saying jiǎ clearly to avoid mistakes.
Pronunciation of 假
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Etymology of 假
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 叚 represents the sound.
A false 叚 person 亻; 叚 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 假
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 叚 represents the sound.
- 1The giveawayA false 叚 person 亻; 叚 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 假? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 假?
Decomposition of 假
Identify the Components
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How to say fake in Chinese
“fake” in Chinese is假
The character 假 (jiǎ) primarily means 'fake' or 'false,' often used to describe something that is not genuine or is artificially created. It can also mean 'to borrow' or serve as a conditional word meaning 'if' or 'suppose.' In everyday contexts, it is commonly used to talk about vacations (假期), indicating a break from regular work or study.
When to use 假
Learners often confuse 假 with similar characters like 假装 (jiǎzhuāng), which means 'to pretend.' It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its usage in conditional phrases to avoid awkward constructions. Remember that the third tone (jiǎ) can be tricky; practice the pronunciation to distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.
假 or something close to it
假 (jiǎ) vs 虚 (xū) - use 假 for something that is specifically 'fake' or 'false,' while 虚 refers more broadly to 'empty' or 'hollow,' often implying a lack of substance.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 假 incorrectly in phrases; for example, saying '假借' (jiǎjiè) instead of '借' (jiè) when simply meaning to borrow. Additionally, learners may confuse its tone with other characters; practice saying jiǎ clearly to avoid mistakes.
Write 假
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Practice writing 假 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 假
假 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我们快要放____了。
We are about to go on vacation.
Common Confusions with 假
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "fake"?
Usage Notes for 假
Learners often confuse 假 when used in different contexts with its pronunciation and meaning.
假期是七天。
The vacation is seven days.
他的假货很便宜。
His fake goods are very cheap.
Fill in the Blank
____期是七天。
The vacation is seven days.
Example Sentences for 假 (10)
Cultural Notes for 假
在中国，'假'字常用于描述假冒产品，特别是在奢侈品市场。许多消费者在购买时会非常小心，以避免买到假货。
有句谚语说：'假的总会被真相揭穿。' 这说明了真相最终会显露，无需担心假象。
Word Family of 假
Compound Meaning
What does 假 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 假
假 (jiǎ) means 'fake' or 'false', while 真的 (zhēn de) means 'real' or 'true'. These terms are often used in contrast to discuss authenticity or veracity in conversations. For example, you might ask '这是真的吗?' (Zhè shì zhēn de ma?), meaning 'Is this real?'.
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