口才

• Pinyin: kǒu cái
• Hanzi breakdown: 口 = mouth; 才 = talent (original: sprout/emerging)

Meaning

Eloquence; speaking ability; gift of gab. The skill of expressing oneself clearly and persuasively.

Highly valued in Chinese culture for business, politics, and social situations. Someone with good 口才 can persuade, entertain, and connect with others through speech. Often developed through debate training or public speaking practice.

Examples

1. 他口才极好，几句话就能把客户说服。 He's incredibly eloquent — he can convince a client with just a few words.
2. 当律师不仅要懂法律，还要有出色的口才。 Being a lawyer requires not just legal knowledge but also excellent speaking skills.
3. 她从小就参加演讲比赛，口才得到很好的锻炼。 She's participated in speech competitions since childhood, and her eloquence has been well-trained.

Usage Guide

Context: speaking, persuasion, communication

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 他的口才真是了得。(His eloquence is truly impressive.)
• 口才好的人往往更容易成功。(People with good speaking skills often succeed more easily.)

Don't Say

• 她的口才很漂亮。(Don't say 口才漂亮 — use 口才好/出色; 漂亮 doesn't collocate with 口才)

Origin & History

Compound of 口 (mouth) + 才 (talent/ability). Literally 'mouth talent' — talent for speaking.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal