欺骗

• Pinyin: qī piàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 欺 = 其 + 欠 (lack, phonetic); 骗 = 马 (horse) + 扁 (flat, phonetic)

Meaning

To deceive; to cheat; to mislead. The act of causing someone to believe something false.

A general term for deception ranging from minor dishonesty to serious betrayal. More everyday and less legally loaded than 欺诈. Covers interpersonal, commercial, and emotional deception.

Examples

1. 他长期欺骗所有人，最终受到了法律的严厉制裁。 He deceived everyone for a long time and ultimately faced severe legal punishment.
2. 商家不得以虚假广告欺骗消费者，否则将面临处罚。 Businesses must not deceive consumers with false advertising, or they will face penalties.
3. 感情中的欺骗会让人彻底丧失对他人的信任。 Deception in a relationship can completely destroy a person’s trust in others.

Usage Guide

Context: ethics, legal, social

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他用虚假身份欺骗了众多投资者，涉案金额巨大。(He deceived numerous investors using a false identity, with an enormous sum involved.)
• 欺骗他人是不道德的行为，终究会被揭穿。(Deceiving others is unethical behavior that will eventually be exposed.)

Don't Say

• 他欺骗了我的心 — this poetic phrasing sounds unnatural in modern conversation; use 伤害/背叛 for emotional betrayal

Origin & History

欺 (bully/deceive) + 骗 (cheat/swindle)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal