装作 (zhuāng zuò) — to pretend, to feign (to act as if something is true when it is not)
Definition
Used in written or deliberate contexts to mean 'pretend / feign' — more formal and literary than 假装, and not used for quick everyday play-acting. Common in the pattern 装作 + verb/adjective.
verb
to pretendto feign (to act as if something is true when it is not)
Examples
- 装作。Tā zhuāng zuò bú rèn shi wǒ.He pretended not to recognize me.
- 装作，。Bié zhuāng zuò méi shì, wǒ zhī dào nǐ nán guò.Don't pretend everything is fine; I know you're sad.
- 装作，。Tā zhuāng zuò hěn hài pà, qí shí yì diǎn yě bú pà.She pretended to be very scared, but actually wasn't afraid at all.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.