借口

• 拼音: jiè kǒu
• 汉字拆解: 借 = 亻+ 昔 — to borrow, to rely on; 口 = pictograph of a mouth

含义

Excuse; pretext. A reason given to justify an action, often not the true reason.

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.

例句

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。

用法指南

语境: everyday, work, relationships

语气: slightly negative

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal