The term 假冒 (jiǎmào) is deeply embedded in modern Chinese economic and social life, primarily due to the widespread issue of counterfeit goods. For decades, China was known for its `山寨 (shānzhài)` or “knock-off” culture. While `山寨` can sometimes refer to clever imitation or even grassroots innovation, 假冒 refers to the dark side: illegal, deceptive counterfeiting. A `山寨` phone might look like an iPhone but have a different brand name (e.g., “aPhone”), whereas a 假冒 iPhone would have the Apple logo and be sold as genuine. This has led to a strong cultural and governmental push for consumer protection and intellectual property rights. The government frequently runs campaigns to `打击假冒伪劣产品 (dǎjī jiǎmào wěiliè chǎnpǐn)`—“crack down on fake and inferior products.” Consequently, Chinese consumers have become highly savvy about identifying `正品 (zhèngpǐn)`—“authentic goods”—and often look for official verification codes and authorized dealers. Compared to the Western concept of “counterfeiting,” 假冒 in China is perhaps a more visible and discussed social issue due to its scale. It's not just about luxury goods; it can involve anything from medicine and baby formula to car parts, making it a serious public safety concern. The term is therefore used frequently in news, public service announcements, and legal contexts.
假冒 (jiǎmào) is a formal and serious word. You'll encounter it most often in specific, negative contexts.
Its connotation is always negative. Using it implies a serious accusation of fraud or illegal activity.