口子

• Pinyin: kǒu zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 口 = mouth/opening; 子 = diminutive suffix

Meaning

Opening; hole; tear; breach. Refers to a gap or opening in something, or figuratively to a precedent or exception.

Can describe physical openings like tears in fabric or wounds on the body. Figuratively used for breaches in rules, budgets, or policies — once you 'open a 口子,' others will follow. Also used for the opening of a bag or container.

Examples

1. 这个政策一旦开了口子，后面就很难收了。 Once this policy opens a precedent, it'll be hard to rein things back in.
2. 他手上划了个口子，流了不少血。 He got a cut on his hand and bled quite a bit.
3. 袋子上破了个口子，里面的东西都漏出来了。 There's a tear in the bag, and everything inside is leaking out.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, daily life, injury

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 不能随便开这个口子。(We can't just open this precedent casually.)
• 伤口上有个小口子。(There's a small cut on the wound.)

Don't Say

• 用口子形容大门。(Don't use 口子 for a proper door — it implies a tear or breach, not a designed opening)

Origin & History

Diminutive form of 口 (mouth/opening) with suffix 子. Extended from physical openings to metaphorical breaches.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal