Translation and Meaning of: 口 - kuchi
The Japanese word 口[くち] is one of those that every Japanese language learner encounters early on, but it carries much more meaning than it seems at first glance. In this article, we will explore everything from its basic meaning to cultural curiosities and practical uses in everyday life in Japan. If you want to understand how this word functions in different contexts or even memorize it more easily, keep reading.
In addition to being an essential term for communication, 口[くち] appears in various expressions and even reflects aspects of Japanese culture. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you uncover these meanings clearly. Let’s start with the basics and move on to details that few materials tend to explain.
Meaning and Everyday Use of 口 [くち]
In its simplest form, 口[くち] means "mouth" in Japanese. It is a common noun used to refer to a part of the body, but it also appears in broader contexts. For example, it can indicate the entrance of a place, as in 瓶の口[びんのくち] (mouth of the bottle), or even the act of speaking, as in the expression 口がうまい (to be persuasive).
What’s interesting is that, unlike Portuguese, Japanese uses 口[くち] in situations that go beyond the literal. In restaurants, you might hear 口に合う (to suit one's taste), demonstrating how the word is linked to taste and culinary experience. This type of metaphorical use is common and helps to understand why 口[くち] is so frequent in the language.
Origin and writing of the kanji 口
The kanji 口 is one of the oldest and simplest in the Japanese language, with only three strokes. Its origin dates back to archaic Chinese characters, where it visually represented an opening or entrance. Interestingly, this same kanji is also used as a radical in other characters related to actions of the mouth, such as 食べる (to eat) or 叫ぶ (to shout).
A helpful tip for memorization is to associate the square shape of the kanji 口 with the idea of an open mouth. Although it is not an absolute rule, many students find this mental image effective. Furthermore, the fact that it is one of the first kanjis taught in basic courses makes it easier to recognize even for beginners.
Mouth [くち] in Japanese culture and expressions
In Japan, the word 口[くち] goes beyond the physical and acquires interesting cultural meanings. Expressions like 口が重い (to be reserved) or 口を出す (to interfere) show how the concept of "mouth" is linked to communication and social behavior. These phrases are common in daily life and reflect values such as discretion and respect.
Another curious aspect is the use of 口[くち] in professional contexts. In stores and businesses, terms like 口コミ (word of mouth) are essential for understanding informal Japanese marketing. Even in animes and dramas, you will notice how this small word carries meanings that help to create natural and culturally authentic dialogues.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 口紅 (kuchibeni) - Lipstick
- 口腔 (kōkō) - Oral cavity
- 口径 (kōkei) - Exit diameter (of a tube or pipe)
- 口調 (kuchichō) - Voice tone
- 口笛 (kuchibue) - Whistle
- 口当たり (kuchi-atari) - Flavor (in the mouth, when eating or drinking)
- 口癖 (kuchiguse) - Habit of speaking (or slang used frequently)
- 口数 (kuchikazu) - Number of words (or speech)
Related words
Romaji: kuchi
Kana: くち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: mouth; hole; Opening
Meaning in English: mouth;orifice;opening
Definition: The organ that produces speech.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (口) kuchi
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (口) kuchi:
Example Sentences - (口) kuchi
See below some example sentences:
Deguchi wa doko desu ka?
Where's the exit?
- 出口 - means "exit" in Japanese.
- は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- どこ - means "where" in Japanese.
- です - It is an auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence.
- か - It is a grammatical particle that indicates a question.
Kōtō de tsutaeru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to communicate verbally.
It is important to convey verbally.
- 口頭で - orally
- 伝える - transmit
- こと - thing
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Kuchi ga kawaita
I'm thirsty.
I was thirsty.
- 口 (kuchi) - It means "mouth" in Japanese.
- が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
- 渇いた (kawaita) - The verb that means "to be thirsty" in Japanese, conjugated in the past tense.
Zouka suru jinkou ga shakai mondai to natte iru
Population increase is becoming a social problem.
The growing population has become a social problem.
- 増加する - increasing
- 人口 - population
- が - (subject particle)
- 社会問題 - social problem
- と - (connection particle)
- なっている - is becoming
Kare wa mukuchi na hito desu
He is a quiet person.
He is a silent person.
- 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
- は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 無口 - adjective that means "quiet" or "silent"
- な - particle connecting the adjective to the noun
- 人 - noun that means "person"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
Kanojo wa totemo rikou desu
She's very smart.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- とても (totemo) - very
- 利口 (rikou) - intelligent
- です (desu) - verb ser/estar (polite)
Kakou kara kemuri ga tachiagatte iru
Smoke is leaving the crater.
The smoke is standing from the crater.
- 火口 (kakou) - volcano eruption
- から (kara) - from, starting at
- 煙 (kemuri) - smoke
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 立ち上がっている (tachiagatteiru) - It's rising, it's rising
Watashi no ginkou kouza no zandaka wa sukunai desu
My bank account balance is low.
My bank account balance is small.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
- の (no) - particle indicating possession or relationship between two things.
- 銀行 (ginkou) - Noun that means "bank" in Japanese.
- 口座 (kouza) - Noun that means "account" in Japanese.
- の (no) - particle indicating possession or relationship between two things.
- 残高 (zandaka) - Noun that means "balance" in Japanese.
- は (wa) - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "balance".
- 少ない (sukunai) - Adjective meaning "little" or "low" in Japanese.
- です (desu) - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful way of speaking in Japanese.
Watashi wa kuchibeni wo nurimashita
I applied lipstick.
I painted lipstick.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 口紅 - noun that means "lipstick"
- を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 塗りました - The word is "painted" or "applied" (in the past).
Uraguchi kara hairu
Enter through the back door.
Enter the back door.
- 裏口 - means "back door" or "side entrance".
- から - means "from" or "of".
- 入る - means "to enter".
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
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