In Chinese culture, which places a high value on sincerity (真诚 zhēnchéng) and authenticity (真实 zhēnshí), the concept of 虚假 is particularly condemned. It's not just a factual error; it's a moral failing. A helpful comparison is the English word “false.” You can have a “false” answer on a multiple-choice test, which is simply incorrect. In Chinese, you would use 错 (cuò) for that. 虚假, however, would be used to describe a “false report” that was intentionally fabricated to mislead people. It implies a conscious act of deception. This term is highly relevant in modern China, where there are ongoing public and governmental campaigns against societal problems like:
Using 虚假 correctly shows a deeper understanding of Chinese social values, acknowledging the important distinction between an innocent mistake and a deliberate deception.
虚假 is a formal and strong term, most often used in written contexts or serious discussions.