heoi1 cing4 gaa3 ji3虛情假意虚情假意

Jyutpingheoi1 cing4 gaa3 ji3

Yalehēui chìhng ga yi

Definition

Hypocritical; putting on a show of false affection or concern.

colloquialemotionpeople

How it's used

This idiom describes a specific type of social performance where someone acts warm or concerned while harboring ulterior motives. It implies a deliberate, calculated effort to deceive rather than just being socially awkward or insincere. You will often hear it used to expose someone who is trying to manipulate others through flattery.

Examples

keoi5佢deoi3對nei5你gam3咁hou2好，m4唔hou2好seon3信keoi5佢heoi1虛cing4情gaa2假ji3意aa4呀。

He is so nice to you, don't believe his fake affection.

keoi5佢go2嗰di1啲heoi1虛cing4情gaa2假ji3意，ngo5我jat1一ngaan5眼zau6就tai2睇cyun1穿saai3晒。

I saw through his hypocrisy at a single glance.

Common phrases

jat1一mei2味heoi1虛cing4情gaa2假ji3意

nothing but hypocritical

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 扮嘢, which is a broader term for acting fake or showing off in general. 虛情假意 specifically targets the emotional aspect of pretending to care or love someone.