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口齿 (kǒu chǐ) — enunciation; clarity of speech; ability to talk; speaking skill

Definition

Literally 'mouth and teeth' but used figuratively for how clearly and skillfully someone speaks. Pairs with 清楚/不清 for clarity, 伶俐 for quick-witted delivery.

noun
enunciationclarity of speechability to talkspeaking skill

Examples

  • 口齿，。
    Tā de kǒu chǐ fēi cháng qīng chǔ, dà jiā dōu xǐ huan tīng tā shuō huà.
    His enunciation is very clear; everyone likes to listen to him speak.
  • 口齿，。
    Zuò zhǔ chí rén xū yào kǒu chǐ líng lì, fǎn yìng kuài.
    Being a host requires quick wit and good speaking ability.
  • 口齿，。
    Zhè hái zi kǒu chǐ bù qīng, xū yào qù yǔ yán zhì liáo.
    This child's speech is unclear; he needs speech therapy.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

口kǒumouth
齿chǐteeth

口 means mouth and 齿 means teeth; together they refer to clarity of speech.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The form 口 looks like an open mouth.

Open 口 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 齒; 齿 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 齒 originally drew a mouth full of teeth, and later gained a part that gives a clue to its sound. The simplified 齿 is a later shorthand.

Open 齿 →
Appears in
Communication & Speech

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