作弊
zuòbì
The English verb 'cheat' can be translated into Chinese as 作弊 (zuòbì). If unsure, use 作弊. Wiktionary also lists 使诈 (shǐzhà) and 使詐 / 使诈 (shǐzhà).
Meaning: violate rules to gain advantage (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 作弊 | zuòbì |
| 使诈 | shǐzhà |
| 使詐 / 使诈 | shǐzhà |
The general term for violating rules to gain an advantage is 作弊. In the context of video games, you may use 作弊码 for a cheat code or the colloquial term 秘籍, which literally means 'secret manual'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 作弊 is composed of 作 (to act or do) and 弊 (deceit, defect or harm).
Which one should you use?
作弊 is the standard term used when someone cheats in structured environments, such as during exams or card games. In contrast, 使诈 is a more formal term that implies the use of cunning or deceptive tactics in a broader, more strategic sense.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
zuòbì
Did you know?
- While 作弊 describes cheating in a game or test, cheating in a romantic relationship is never called 作弊. Instead, Chinese uses 出轨, which literally means 'to derail' like a train.
- The word 弊 in 作弊 originally referred to a 'worn-out' or 'damaged' garment, evolving from a physical defect to a moral one.
- In Chinese culture, 作弊 during the Gaokao university entrance exam is considered a severe social crime and can lead to a lifetime ban from taking the test.
Examples in context
- 玩牌作弊是錯誤的。It is wrong to cheat at cards.This sentence is useful for discussing the morality of cheating at cards using 作弊.Tatoeba #801348 by Martha, translation #36920 by CK
- 他在考試中作弊。Tā zài kǎoshì zhōng zuòbì.He cheated during the exam.
- 千萬不要在比賽中作弊。Qiānwàn bùyào zài bǐsài zhōng zuòbì.Never cheat in a competition.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a game they just played.
- 浩然 Haoran佳怡，我觉得你刚才作弊了。Jiāyí, wǒ juéde nǐ gāngcái zuòbì le.Jiayi, I think you just cheated.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我没有，我只是运气好。Wǒ méiyǒu, wǒ zhǐshì yùnqì hǎo.I didn't, I'm just lucky.
- 浩然 Haoran你偷偷看了我的牌！Nǐ tōutōu kànle wǒ de pái!You peeked at my cards!
- 佳怡 Jiayi对不起，浩然，我承认我作弊了。Duìbùqǐ, Hàorán, wǒ chéngrèn wǒ zuòbì le.Sorry, Haoran, I admit that I cheated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheat” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
