借口 jièkǒu to use as an excuse
to use as an excuse; excuse; pretext
How to remember 借口: 借 borrow + 口 mouth (Kangxi radical 30) = to use as an excuse.
Characters
How it is used
- An excuse or pretext, usually a false one to dodge responsibility - 找借口 (zhǎo jièkǒu) to make excuses; 别找借口 (no excuses).
- Also a verb 'to use as a pretext': 借口生病没来 (jièkǒu shēngbìng méi lái) used illness as an excuse not to come.
- Carries a negative, insincere flavor, unlike 理由 (lǐyóu, a genuine reason). A 借口 is the flimsy cover, a 理由 the real justification.
Example sentences
- 我没有借口。 Wǒ méiyǒu jièkǒu.I have no excuse.
- 借口是没用的。 Jièkǒu shì méiyòng de.There's no use making excuses.
- 我不想再听到其他借口了。 Wǒ bùxiǎng zài tīngdào qítā jièkǒu le.I don't want to hear any more excuses.