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March 24, 2026
借口jièkǒu(jie4kou3)
借口 (jièkǒu) refers to an excuse or pretext used to justify an action or avoid responsibility. It is commonly used in contexts where someone tries to explain their behavior or decisions, often implying insincerity or a lack of accountability.
Frequency#2209DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 借口 can reflect a broader societal emphasis on harmony and face-saving, where individuals may avoid direct confrontation by using excuses rather than addressing issues openly.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone borrowing (借) a coat (口) to avoid the cold. The coat represents an excuse to shield themselves from criticism or consequences, linking the character's components to its meaning.
Meanings of 借口
jièkǒu(jie4kou3)
1to use as an excuse
2on the pretext
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About 借口
借口Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2209Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 借口
Podcast: 借口
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AI Study Notes for 借口
Quick Contrast
借口 (jièkǒu) vs 理由 (lǐyóu) — use 借口 when implying insincerity or avoidance, while 理由 is more neutral, referring to a reason without negative connotations.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine someone borrowing (借) a coat (口) to avoid the cold. The coat represents an excuse to shield themselves from criticism or consequences, linking the character's components to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when using 借口, as it can imply dishonesty. It is typically used in informal contexts but can appear in formal discussions about responsibility. Common collocations include '找借口' (to find an excuse) and '用借口' (to use an excuse).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 借口 connects with other words regarding responsibility and accountability. Students should practice forming sentences that illustrate its usage in everyday scenarios, enhancing their understanding of excuses in social interactions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 借口 can reflect a broader societal emphasis on harmony and face-saving, where individuals may avoid direct confrontation by using excuses rather than addressing issues openly.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 借口 with 理由 (lǐyóu), which means 'reason.' An incorrect sentence might be '我有一个理由' (I have an excuse), which should instead use 借口: '我有一个借口.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 借口
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Grammar Patterns of 借口
借口 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
What he said was nothing more than making excuses for himself.
Example Sentences for 借口 (10)
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1
马克被一连串借口打发了。
mǎ kè bèi yī lián chuàn jiè kǒu dǎ fā le。
Mark was palmed off with a series of excuses.
2
他们现在会找个蹩脚的借口重新发动战争。
tā mén xiàn zài huì zhǎo gè bié jiǎo de jiè kǒu zhòng xīn fā dòng zhàn zhēng。
They would now find some dubious pretext to restart the war.
3
他含含糊糊地找了个蹩脚的借口，想要解释自己为什么睡着了。
tā hán hán hū hū dì zhǎo le gè bié jiǎo de jiè kǒu， ， xiǎng yào jiě shì zì jǐ wéi shí mó shuì zháo。
He mumbled some lame excuse about having gone to sleep.
4
他们想找借口用武力征服这个地区。
tā mén xiǎng zhǎo jiè kǒu yòng wǔ lì zhēng fú zhè gè dì qū。
They wanted a pretext for subduing the region by force.
5
我们不能拿少数这几个人作为一种方便的借口而对此置之不理。
wǒ mén bù néng ná shǎo shù zhè jī gè rén zuò wéi yī zhǒng fāng biàn de jiè kǒu ér duì cǐ zhì zhī bù lǐ。
We cannot make this minority a convenient excuse to turn our backs.
6
他找了某个她根本不会相信的借口给她打电话。
tā zhǎo le mǒu gè tā gēn běn bù huì xiāng xìn de jiè kǒu gěi tā dǎ diàn huà。
He'd telephoned with some phoney excuse she didn't believe for a minute.
7
为他的犹豫不决寻找借口是很容易的。
wéi tā de yóu yù bù jué xún zhǎo jiè kǒu shì hěn róng yì de。
It is easy to find excuses for his indecisiveness.
8
多差劲的借口啊！
duō chà jìn de jiè kǒu ā！
What pathetic excuses.
9
睡得过久而迟到,这个借口站不住脚.
shuì dé guò jiǔ ér chí dào, , zhè gè jiè kǒu zhàn bù zhù.
Sleeping too long is a lame excuse for being late.
10
他想用站不住脚的借口为自己的缺席辩解.
tā xiǎng yòng zhàn bù zhù jiǎo de jiè kǒu wéi zì jǐ de quē xí biàn jiě.
He tried to justify his absence with lame excuses.
Cultural Notes for 借口
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 借口 can reflect a broader societal emphasis on harmony and face-saving, where individuals may avoid direct confrontation by using excuses rather than addressing issues openly.
Frequently Asked Questions about 借口
Yes, 借口 usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the excuse is not genuine or is used to evade responsibility.
While it is more common in informal contexts, 借口 can be used in formal discussions about accountability, but be mindful of the implications.
A common phrase is '找借口' (zhǎo jièkǒu), which means 'to find an excuse'.
