gian lận
[zaːn˧˧ lən˧˨ʔ]
gian lận is the Vietnamese way to say cheating.
gian lận refers to the act of deception, fraud, trickery or imposition. It is the standard term used in academic, professional or competitive contexts, such as during exams or in sports.
Meaning: act of deception, fraud, trickery, imposture, or imposition (noun)
Which one should you use?
While gian lận is used for cheating in games or exams, you should use ngoại tình if you are specifically referring to infidelity or cheating on a romantic partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun gian lận (cheating) can also function as a verb meaning "to cheat".
Did you know?
- The term ngoại tình for romantic cheating literally translates to 'outside the situation' or 'outside the relationship'.
- The word lận in the phrase is rooted in the Sino-Vietnamese character for 'stinginess' or 'miserly'.
- If you are caught in a game, saying you committed gian lận sounds much more serious and formal than the English 'cheating', which can sometimes feel playful.
Examples in context
- Tom chối là đã gian lận.Tom has denied cheating.This sentence shows how to use gian lận when someone denies the act.Tatoeba #4786298 by tucm, translation #4496521 by CK
- Giáo viên đã bắt quả tang anh ấy gian lận.The teacher caught him while cheating.This sentence demonstrates using gian lận to describe being caught in the act.Tatoeba #13912592 by leucammieuvu, translation #13911517 by Ioan_Cristian
- Hành vi gian lận sẽ bị xem là không đạo đức.Cheating behavior will be considered unethical.
- Cậu ấy đang cheat trong trò chơi này.He is cheating in this game.
- Sự gian lận trong thi cử là không thể chấp nhận.Cheating in exams is unacceptable.
Example conversation
Tuấn and Mai are discussing a news report about a scandal.
- MaiAnh có biết về vụ gian lận vừa qua không?Do you know about the recent cheating scandal?
- TuấnTôi có nghe qua rồi, thật là tệ quá.I heard about it, it's really terrible.
- MaiHọ đã dùng rất nhiều thủ đoạn gian lận.They used many cheating tactics.
- TuấnThật đáng thất vọng khi thấy họ làm vậy.It is disappointing to see them do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gian lận, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gian, gian lận, lận, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
