Definition
张嘴 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to open one's mouth' — both literally (to speak) and figuratively (to ask for a loan or favor). The verb 张 and the object 嘴 can split apart: you can insert 了, complements, or measure words between them, e.g. 张了张嘴 ('opened one's mouth a bit'). When used figuratively, it often carries the implication of being embarrassed or hesitant to ask.
v.o.
to open one's mouth (to speak)(figurative) to ask for a loan or favor
Examples
- 张嘴，。Tā zhāng zuǐ xiǎng shuōhuà, què shénme dōu méi shuō chūlái.He opened his mouth to speak, but didn't manage to say anything.
- 张嘴。Tā bù hǎoyìsi zhāng zuǐ jièqián.He was too embarrassed to ask for a loan.
- ，。Tā zhāng le zhāng zuǐ, zuìhòu háishì méi shuō.He opened his mouth a bit but in the end didn't say anything.
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