口气

• Pinyin: kǒu qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 口 = mouth; 气 = 气 (steam/air/manner)

Meaning

Tone of voice; manner of speaking; breath. How something is said or the implication behind words.

Can refer to the tone or attitude conveyed in speech, or literally to bad breath. In conversation, often used to comment on how someone sounds — arrogant, gentle, dismissive, etc. Understanding 口气 is crucial for navigating Chinese social dynamics.

Examples

1. 你说话的口气能不能温和一点？ Can you speak in a gentler tone?
2. 从他的口气来看，他对这个项目不太看好。 Judging from his tone, he doesn't seem optimistic about this project.
3. 这么大口气，你有把握做到吗？ Such big talk — are you confident you can actually do it?

Usage Guide

Context: communication, social, criticism

Tone: observational

Do Say

• 他的口气很傲慢。(His tone is very arrogant.)
• 别用这种口气跟我说话。(Don't speak to me in that tone.)

Don't Say

• 混淆口气和口臭。(口气 can mean breath or tone — context determines which; 口臭 specifically means bad breath)

Origin & History

Compound of 口 (mouth) + 气 (air/manner). Refers to the 'air' or attitude conveyed through speech.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal