Definition
借口 (jiè kǒu) is a noun meaning 'excuse' or 'pretext' — a reason given to hide the real one. 名义 (míng yì) also means 'pretext' but is more formal and often used in the phrase '以…的名义' (in the name of…), implying a false claim of authority or purpose. 编造 (biān zào) is a verb meaning 'to fabricate' an excuse, not the excuse itself.
noun
excusepretext
Examples
- 借口。Tā zǒngshì zhǎo jiè kǒu chídào.He always makes excuses for being late.
- 借口,。Tā yǐ shēntǐ bù shūfu wéi jiè kǒu, méiyǒu cānjiā jùhuì.She used feeling unwell as an excuse and didn't attend the party.
- 借口。Zhège jiè kǒu tīng qǐlai hěn hélǐ.This excuse sounds very reasonable.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.