'Fake crying' — 假哭 — literally combines 假 (jiǎ), meaning 'false' or 'pretended', and 哭 (kū), meaning 'to cry'. It refers specifically to shedding tears or sobbing not out of genuine sorrow, pain, or distress, but as a deliberate act — often to manipulate, gain sympathy, avoid consequences, or perform for an audience. Unlike general terms for insincerity, 假哭 highlights the physical act of crying as feigned.

This term is commonly used in informal spoken and written Chinese, especially when describing children’s tantrums, actors’ performances, or emotionally manipulative behavior. It carries a mildly critical or skeptical tone, implying the crier lacks authenticity. While it can describe theatrical use (e.g., in film), it’s more frequently applied to real-life situations where emotional display feels calculated rather than heartfelt.