狡诈 is an adjective meaning 'deceitful' or 'treacherous', describing someone who is clever in a dishonest, manipulative way—often hiding ill intent behind charm or cunning. The first character 狡 (jiǎo) originally refers to the sly, quick-witted nature of foxes—a common animal symbol of craftiness in Chinese folklore. The second character 诈 (zhà) means 'to cheat' or 'to deceive', emphasizing intentional falsehood or trickery. Together, they form a compound that conveys deep, calculated dishonesty—not mere naivety or error, but deliberate, intelligent deception.

This word carries strong negative connotations and is often used in formal or literary contexts: historical narratives, political commentary, moral fables, or critiques of unethical behavior. It’s more severe than words like 虚伪 (hypocritical) or 欺骗 (to deceive), implying both intelligence and malice. While it can describe people, it’s also frequently applied metaphorically to actions, schemes, or rhetoric perceived as dangerously duplicitous.