插嘴

• Pinyin: chā zuǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 插 = 扌(hand) + 臿 (phonetic); 嘴 = 口 (mouth) + 觜 (phonetic)

Meaning

To interrupt; to cut in; to butt into a conversation.

Literally 'to insert one's mouth'. Refers to speaking up in the middle of someone else's speech without being invited. Usually carries a mildly negative connotation. The phrase 不许插嘴 is very common from parents to children.

Examples

1. 大人说话的时候，小孩不应该随便插嘴，这是基本的礼貌。 When adults are talking, children should not casually butt in — that is a matter of basic courtesy.
2. 他刚想解释，就被对方不礼貌地插嘴打断，显得十分尴尬。 He had just started to explain when the other person rudely cut in and interrupted him, making for an awkward moment.
3. 会议进行到一半，她忍不住插嘴提出了一个关键性的异议。 Halfway through the meeting she could not hold back and cut in to raise a crucial objection.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, family, meetings, etiquette

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 对不起，我能插句嘴吗？我有一个相关的想法想分享。(Sorry, may I cut in? I have a related thought I'd like to share.)
• 他动不动就喜欢插嘴，有时候让人觉得很不尊重。(He tends to butt in constantly — sometimes it comes across as quite disrespectful.)

Don't Say

• 他插嘴进了那场辩论。(插嘴 does not take a directional complement like 进; say 他在辩论中插嘴 or 他插嘴参与了那场辩论)

Origin & History

插 (to insert) + 嘴 (mouth). To 'insert' one's mouth into an ongoing conversation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal