Lying, like in most cultures, is viewed negatively in China. Honesty (诚实 - chéngshí) is a highly praised virtue. However, the application of this value can be nuanced by the concepts of social harmony and “face” (面子 - miànzi). A key cultural comparison is the “white lie.” In Western cultures, a white lie is often a small falsehood told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. This exists in China too, but it's often more deeply connected to preserving someone's 面子 (miànzi), or social dignity. Directly criticizing someone's work, for example, could cause them to “lose face.” In such a situation, a less direct or even slightly misleading positive comment might be seen as more socially graceful than a blunt, “honest” critique. This is not seen as malicious deception, but rather as social tact. Therefore, while directly accusing someone of 撒谎 (sāhuǎng) is a serious charge implying a moral failing, understanding the motivation behind an untruth is key. Sometimes, it's less about deceiving and more about navigating complex social relationships and preserving harmony.
撒谎 (sāhuǎng) is a standard, widely used term appropriate for most informal and semi-formal situations.