脱口而出

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"脱口而出" literally means "to let words come out of the mouth" and is used to describe speaking something spontaneously or without thinking, often unintentionally. It usually implies that the speaker did not plan or control the words before saying them.

Common Contexts

This phrase is often used when someone blurts out an opinion, a secret, or a sudden reaction. It can carry a neutral or slightly negative tone depending on context, especially if the words said are inappropriate or surprising.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

Using 脱口而出 highlights the lack of filtering or preparation before speaking. It differs from simply "" (to say) by emphasizing impulsiveness. Avoid confusing it with "" which can be more neutral or deliberate.

Register

This phrase is formal enough for written and spoken Chinese, often seen in news reports, literature, and formal speech to describe sudden speech acts.

Example Sentences

After seeing that news, he blurted out his opinion.

Sometimes nervousness makes people blurt out things they shouldn't say.

His question was so sudden that I blurted out the answer.