出口成章

• Pinyin: chū kǒu chéng zhāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 出 = exit; 口 = mouth; 成 = to become; 章 = chapter/writing

Meaning

To speak eloquently; words flow like prose; to speak with literary elegance.

Idiomatic expression praising someone's speaking ability. Literally 'when words leave the mouth, they form polished writing.' Used for people who are naturally articulate.

Examples

1. 她出口成章，辩论时无人能敌。 She speaks with such eloquence that no one can match her in debates.
2. 他从小熟读诗书，如今出口成章。 He grew up reading poetry and classics, and now speaks with literary grace.
3. 这位主持人出口成章，现场应变能力极强。 This host speaks eloquently and has excellent improvisational skills.

Usage Guide

Context: praise, eloquence, literature

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 他学问渊博，出口成章。(He is deeply learned and speaks with eloquence.)
• 能够出口成章的人，一定是博览群书的。(Someone who speaks so eloquently must be well-read.)

Don't Say

• 我出口成章地骂了他 (出口成章 is positive — don't use for vulgar speech)

Origin & History

Classical idiom: 出口 (words leaving the mouth) + 成章 (form polished prose). From descriptions of naturally gifted speakers in classical texts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal