托词 (tuō cí) — pretext, excuse

Definition

托词 (tuō cí) is a formal, written word for an excuse or pretext — often one used to dodge blame. Colloquial speech more often uses 借口 (jièkǒu, HSK 5).

noun
pretextexcuse

Examples

  • 托词
    Tā zhǎo le yí gè tuō cí bú qù kāi huì.
    He found a pretext not to go to the meeting.
  • 托词
    Zhè xiē tuō cí tīng qǐ lái hěn miǎn qiǎng.
    These excuses sound very forced.
  • 托词
    Bú yào yòng tuō cí lái táo bì zé rèn.
    Don't use pretexts to evade responsibility.

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