Meaning and Usage
"口実" (こうじつ) means "excuse" or "pretext." It is often used when someone wants to justify or explain their actions, especially to avoid responsibility or an unpleasant situation.
Common Contexts
People use 口実 when they want to avoid something, such as being late, attending a meeting, or declining an invitation. It often implies that the excuse might not be entirely truthful.
Collocations and Patterns
- 口実を作る: to make an excuse, often to avoid something
- 口実にする: to use something as an excuse
- 口実を考える: to think up an excuse
Register and Nuance
口実 is neutral but can carry a slightly negative nuance, implying the excuse is not fully honest. It is common in both spoken and written Japanese, suitable for everyday conversation and formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 口実 with 正当な理由 (legitimate reason). 口実 often implies a less valid or fabricated reason, so be careful not to use it when you mean a genuine justification.