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March 24, 2026
嘴巴zuǐba(zui3ba5)
嘴巴 (zui3 ba5) refers to the mouth, an essential part of the body used for eating, speaking, and expressing emotions. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as in phrases related to speech or insults, where it can also imply a slap in the face metaphorically.
Strokes20Frequency#3170DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the mouth is often associated with communication and relationships. The phrase '闭嘴' (bì zuǐ) meaning 'shut your mouth' can be used to express disagreement or frustration, showcasing the importance of speech in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big mouth (嘴) that can shout loudly and is shaped like a 'z' when viewed sideways. The 'ba' sounds like 'bark', which can remind you of how a mouth barks out words or could metaphorically 'slap' someone with harsh speech.
Meanings of 嘴巴
zuǐba(zui3ba5)
1mouth
2slap in the face
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 嘴巴
嘴巴Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
张Measure Word
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 嘴巴
Podcast: 嘴巴
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AI Study Notes for 嘴巴
Quick Contrast
嘴 (zuǐ) refers specifically to the mouth as an anatomical feature, while 嘴巴 (zuǐba) is a more colloquial term that can imply additional nuances related to speech or expression.
Usage Notes
This word is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with more formal terms for mouth, like 口 (kǒu). It is often paired with verbs like '说' (to speak) or '吃' (to eat) in common phrases.
HSK Study Tips
While 嘴巴 is not currently included in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to basic body parts (like 口) that students may encounter. Focus on using it in context to describe actions involving the mouth, like eating or speaking.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 嘴巴 in overly formal situations. For example, saying '在会议上，我用了我的嘴巴' (At the meeting, I used my mouth) is awkward; it's better to say '我在会议上发言' (I spoke at the meeting).
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Pronunciation of 嘴巴
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嘴巴 (zui3 ba5) refers to the mouth, an essential part of the body used for eating, speaking, and expressing emotions. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as in phrases related to speech or insults, where it can also imply a slap in the face metaphorically.
When to use 嘴巴
This word is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with more formal terms for mouth, like 口 (kǒu). It is often paired with verbs like '说' (to speak) or '吃' (to eat) in common phrases.
嘴巴 or something close to it
嘴 (zuǐ) refers specifically to the mouth as an anatomical feature, while 嘴巴 (zuǐba) is a more colloquial term that can imply additional nuances related to speech or expression.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 嘴巴 in overly formal situations. For example, saying '在会议上，我用了我的嘴巴' (At the meeting, I used my mouth) is awkward; it's better to say '我在会议上发言' (I spoke at the meeting).
Write 嘴巴
嘴
巴
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Common Confusions with 嘴巴
嘴巴vs嘴
zuǐ
Same pronunciation but '嘴巴' is more colloquial.
嘴巴vs把
bǎ
Similar sound but different meaning and usage.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "mouth"?
or
Usage Notes for 嘴巴
Colloquial UseCommon Error
'嘴巴' is often used in speaking rather than writing.
1
我嘴巴疼。
My mouth hurts.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
我____疼。
My mouth hurts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 嘴巴
嘴巴 is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in casual conversations. In formal settings, you might encounter the term '口' (kǒu) when referring to the mouth.
Common phrases with 嘴巴 include '闭嘴' (bì zuǐ), which means 'shut up,' and '嘴巴甜' (zuǐbā tián), meaning 'sweet-tongued.' These expressions highlight the mouth's role in communication and social interactions.
You can use 嘴巴 in sentences to refer to someone's mouth, for example: '他张开嘴巴说话' (Tā zhāngkāi zuǐbā shuōhuà), which means 'He opened his mouth to speak.' It's often used in contexts related to eating, speaking, or expressing opinions.
嘴巴 (zuǐbā) means 'mouth' in Chinese. It refers to the opening in the face that is used for eating, speaking, and breathing. The term can also be used in various idiomatic expressions related to speech and communication.
No, 嘴巴 is primarily used in informal contexts. For formal writing, you might use 口 instead.
Yes, in certain contexts, it can imply a 'slap in the face' metaphorically, often related to harsh words.
Common phrases include '张嘴' (to open one's mouth) and '闭嘴' (to shut one's mouth).
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