借口

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

Significado

Excusa; pretexto.

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.

Ejemplos

1. 他总是找各种借口逃避责任，同事们都看在眼里。
2. 别再拿忙当借口了，你明明有时间却不愿意帮忙。
3. 她借口身体不舒服，提前离开了那个无聊的聚会。

Guía de uso

Contexto: everyday, work, relationships

Tono: slightly negative

Correcto

• 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.)

Incorrecto

• 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)

Origen e historia

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

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal