口を挟む

• Reading: くちをはさむ
• Romaji: kuchi wo hasamu
• Kanji breakdown: 口 (kō/kuchi) — mouth; 挟 (kyō/hasa) — insert between, sandwich
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.t͡ɕi.o.ha.sa.mɯ/

Meaning

To cut into a conversation; to interject; to butt in. Used when someone inserts a comment into an ongoing discussion.

An idiomatic expression using the Group 1 (godan) verb 挟む. Literally means to insert one's mouth between things. Often carries a slightly negative nuance, implying the interjection may be unwelcome, though it can also be neutral depending on context.

Examples

1. 先輩が話しているのに口を挟むのは失礼だ。 It's rude to interrupt when a senior colleague is speaking.
2. 彼女はいつも人の話に口を挟んでくる。 She always butts in when other people are talking.
3. 部外者が口を挟む余地はない。 There's no room for outsiders to stick their nose in.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, meetings, social etiquette

Tone: slightly negative

Origin & History

From 口 (mouth) and 挟む (to insert between). The image is of physically inserting one's mouth into a gap in conversation, like wedging something between two objects.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal