借
口

About

The word 借口 is formed by combining the character 借, meaning "to borrow" or "to use as a pretext", with the character 口, meaning "mouth" or "speech". Together, they create a literal sense of "borrowing speech" or "using words as a cover", which directly conveys the concept of an excuse or pretext.

Example Sentences Hide

这不是一个好的借口。

Zhè bù shì yī gè hǎo de jièkǒu.

This is not a good excuse.

他总是用忙作为借口。

Tā zǒng shì yòng máng zuòwéi jièkǒu.

He always uses being busy as an excuse.

如果你不想去，就别找借口。

Rúguǒ nǐ bù xiǎng qù, jiù bié zhǎo jièkǒu.

If you don't want to go, don't make excuses.

她以生病为借口没有参加会议。

Tā yǐ shēngbìng wéi jièkǒu méiyǒu cānjiā huìyì.

She used illness as an excuse for not attending the meeting.

尽管他有各种借口，但我们都知道真相。

Jǐnguǎn tā yǒu gè zhǒng jièkǒu, dàn wǒmen dōu zhīdào zhēnxiàng.

Although he has various excuses, we all know the truth.

Word Definition - 借口

jiè kǒu to use as an excuse; excuse; pretext

Individual Character Details

借 jiè, jiè
口 kǒu