While “lying” is universally seen as wrong, the cultural motivation and social consequences can differ. In many Western cultures, a lie is often judged harshly on purely moral grounds—a violation of the truth. In Chinese culture, while honesty is a cherished virtue, the concepts of 面子 (miànzi - “face,” social prestige) and 和谐 (héxié - harmony) can add layers of complexity. Sometimes, a person might tell a “white lie”—a type of 假话—not to maliciously deceive, but to save someone from embarrassment (giving them 面子) or to avoid a direct, harmony-disrupting confrontation. For example, if you cook a terrible meal, a Chinese friend might say “好吃!” (Delicious!) to spare your feelings. While technically a 假话, its purpose is rooted in social kindness. This is different from a lie told for personal gain, which is condemned. Understanding this distinction is key. For a learner, it's important to recognize that what might seem like a lie could sometimes be an attempt to maintain social grace. However, directly accusing someone by saying “你在说假话!” (You're telling a lie!) is a very serious, face-damaging act that will instantly create conflict.
假话 is a high-frequency word used in many contexts, almost always with a negative connotation.