mouth

JLPT N1 16 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Understanding (zuǐ)

The character primarily refers to the physical mouth or lips area. It is commonly used to describe the part of the face involved in speaking, eating, or holding objects, such as in the example of a puppy holding a stick in its mouth.

Usage in Conversation

is often used literally but can also appear in idiomatic expressions or to emphasize speech, as in "" meaning 'just saying with the mouth' implying empty talk without action.

Common Collocations

  • (zuǐba): a colloquial way to say mouth, often used in daily conversation.
  • (zuǐ lǐ): inside the mouth, used when describing something held or placed in the mouth.
  • (zuǐ shàng shuō shuō): literally 'say it on the mouth,' meaning to only talk without action.

Nuances and Tips

When using , note that it often appears in contexts related to speech or eating. It can be combined with verbs like (move), (speak), or (hold in mouth). Avoid confusing with (kǒu), which is more general and can mean mouth or an opening, while emphasizes the lips or the mouth area more specifically.

Register

is neutral and common in spoken and written Chinese. It is appropriate in casual and formal contexts but is more vivid and concrete than the more abstract .

Example Sentences

His mouth moves quickly when he talks.

The puppy is holding a stick in its mouth.

Don't just say it with your mouth; prove it with actions.