口先

• Reading: くちさき
• Romaji: kuchisaki
• Kanji breakdown: 口 (kuchi) — mouth | 先 (saki) — tip, front, ahead
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.tɕi.sa.ki/

Meaning

Lip service; mere words; glib talk that is not backed by action.

A noun combining 口 (mouth) and 先 (tip, front). Literally the tip of the mouth — what is uttered without depth or sincerity behind it. Often used in the pattern 口先だけ (nothing but words) or 口先だけの約束 (empty promise). Contrasts with genuine commitment expressed through action.

Examples

1. 口先だけの謝罪では、傷ついた相手の心は癒せない。 An apology that's nothing but lip service can't heal the wounds of the person who was hurt.
2. 彼の約束はいつも口先だけで、実際には何一つ実行されたためしがない。 His promises are always just empty words—not a single one has ever been followed through on.
3. 口先だけの議論に時間を費やすより、具体的な行動に移すべきだ。 Rather than wasting time on hollow talk, it's better to take concrete action.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, relationships, politics, workplace

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 口 (kuchi) meaning 'mouth' and 先 (saki) meaning 'tip, front'. The metaphor is of words that only reach the very tip of the lips — shallow and insincere, never coming from deeper conviction.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General