口径

• Pinyin: kǒu jìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 口 = opening; 径 = 彳(step) + 巠 — diameter/path

Meaning

Caliber; diameter; unified stance. The diameter of a tube or barrel, or metaphorically, a consistent message or position.

Literally refers to the internal diameter of tubes, pipes, or gun barrels. Metaphorically used in organizational contexts to mean 'getting everyone on the same page' — ensuring all spokespeople say the same thing. Common in corporate and political communications.

Examples

1. 这支枪的口径是九毫米。 This gun has a caliber of nine millimeters.
2. 各部门要统一口径，对外发布一致的信息。 All departments need to align their messaging and release consistent information externally.
3. 他们在口径上出现了偏差，导致公关危机。 They had inconsistencies in their messaging, leading to a PR crisis.

Usage Guide

Context: technical, corporate, communications

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 统一口径很重要。(It's important to have a unified stance.)
• 管道口径是多少？(What's the diameter of the pipe?)

Don't Say

• 你的口径是什么？(When asking someone's opinion, use 看法 or 意见 — 口径 implies coordinated messaging)

Origin & History

Compound of 口 (opening/mouth) + 径 (diameter/path). Originally a technical term for bore diameter.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional