Definition
借故 is an adverb meaning 'using a pretext to (do something)'. It always appears before the verb it modifies, describing that the action was taken under a fabricated or convenient excuse. Unlike the verb phrase 找借口 ('to make an excuse'), 借故 is more formal and literary, common in written Chinese and news reports.
adverb
to use a pretext to (do something)to find an excuse to
Examples
- 借故，。Tā jiè gù shēntǐ bù shūfu, tíqián líkāi le huìchǎng.He used the pretext of feeling unwell and left the meeting early.
- 借故，。Jīnglǐ jiè gù kāihuì, tuī diào le nàge fànjú.The manager used the excuse of having a meeting to decline that dinner invitation.
- 借故，。Tā jiè gù shàng cèsuǒ, tōutōu dǎ le ge diànhuà.She used the pretext of going to the bathroom to secretly make a phone call.
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