借口

• Pinyin: jiè kǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 借 = 亻+ 昔 — to borrow, to rely on; 口 = pictograph of a mouth

Meaning

Excuse; pretext. A reason given to justify an action, often not the true reason.

Can be used as both a noun (an excuse) and a verb (to use as an excuse). Carries a somewhat negative connotation, implying the reason given may not be genuine. Common in everyday speech and more formal contexts alike.

Examples

1. 他总是找各种借口逃避责任，同事们都看在眼里。 He always finds various excuses to avoid responsibility, and his colleagues all see it.
2. 别再拿忙当借口了，你明明有时间却不愿意帮忙。 Stop using being busy as an excuse — you clearly have time but just don't want to help.
3. 她借口身体不舒服，提前离开了那个无聊的聚会。 She used feeling unwell as an excuse to leave that boring party early.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, relationships

Tone: slightly negative

Do Say

• 这只是个借口而已。(That's just an excuse.)
• 不要借口说你不知道。(Don't use 'I didn't know' as an excuse.)

Don't Say

• 把'借口'用于正当理由 (Don't use 借口 for legitimate reasons — it implies the reason is false or weak; use 理由 for genuine reasons)

Origin & History

Composed of 借 (to borrow; to use) + 口 (mouth; words). The idea is 'borrowing words' — using convenient words to avoid the truth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal