口气

• 拼音: kǒu qì
• 汉字拆解: 口 = mouth; 气 = 气 (steam/air/manner)

含义

Tone of voice; manner of speaking; breath. How something is said or the implication behind words.

Can refer to the tone or attitude conveyed in speech, or literally to bad breath. In conversation, often used to comment on how someone sounds — arrogant, gentle, dismissive, etc. Understanding 口气 is crucial for navigating Chinese social dynamics.

例句

1. 你说话的口气能不能温和一点？
2. 从他的口气来看，他对这个项目不太看好。
3. 这么大口气，你有把握做到吗？

用法指南

语境: communication, social, criticism

语气: observational

正确说法

• 他的口气很傲慢。(His tone is very arrogant.)
• 别用这种口气跟我说话。(Don't speak to me in that tone.)

错误说法

• 混淆口气和口臭。(口气 can mean breath or tone — context determines which; 口臭 specifically means bad breath)

起源与历史

Compound of 口 (mouth) + 气 (air/manner). Refers to the 'air' or attitude conveyed through speech.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal