口

• Reading: くち
• Romaji: kuchi
• Kanji breakdown: 口 (kou/kuchi) — mouth, opening
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.tɕi/

Meaning

Mouth. Used for eating, speaking, and in many figurative expressions.

Refers to the physical mouth and extends to meanings related to speech, taste, and openings. Common in expressions like 口に合う (to suit one's taste), 口が軽い (loose-lipped), and 口を出す (to butt in). Also used to mean 'opening' or 'entrance,' as in 出口 (exit) and 入口 (entrance).

Examples

1. 熱いものを食べて口をやけどした。 I burned my mouth eating something hot.
2. この料理は口に合いますか。 Does this dish suit your taste?
3. 口を大きく開けてください。 Please open your mouth wide.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, food, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 口 is a pictograph representing an open mouth.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal