口头禅 (kǒutóuchán) refers to a catchphrase or a habitual expression that someone frequently uses in conversation. It often reflects a speaker's personality or attitude and can be a way to express agreement or convey a certain sentiment. These phrases can be humorous or annoying, depending on their usage context.
HSK 7, 24 strokes, Hard
kǒutóuchán(kou3tou2chan2) T3
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May 27, 2026
口头禅kǒutóuchán(kou3tou2chan2)
口头禅 (kǒutóuchán) refers to a catchphrase or a habitual expression that someone frequently uses in conversation. It often reflects a speaker's personality or attitude and can be a way to express agreement or convey a certain sentiment. These phrases can be humorous or annoying, depending on their usage context.
Strokes24Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, using a 口头禅 can indicate familiarity and rapport in social interactions. Certain phrases become popular in specific regions or among certain groups, showcasing local dialects or trends.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person named 'Kou' who is always chanting his favorite phrase like a mantra. Every time he speaks, his friends hear this '口头禅' and it sticks in their minds. The character 口 (kǒu) looks like a mouth, reminding you it’s something said verbally, and 禅 (chán) relates to meditation or a repeated saying.
About 口头禅
口头禅Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 口头禅
Podcast: 口头禅
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AI Study Notes for 口头禅
Quick Contrast
常用语 (chángyòngyǔ) - use 口头禅 when referring to a specific catchphrase or habitual expression, while 常用语 refers to commonly used phrases in general.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person named 'Kou' who is always chanting his favorite phrase like a mantra. Every time he speaks, his friends hear this '口头禅' and it sticks in their minds. The character 口 (kǒu) looks like a mouth, reminding you it’s something said verbally, and 禅 (chán) relates to meditation or a repeated saying.
Usage Notes
口头禅 is generally informal and used in casual conversations. Be careful not to overuse it, as it can become tedious for listeners. Common collocations include phrases like '他的口头禅是...' (his catchphrase is...) and be mindful of the tone; using it in a formal setting may seem out of place.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK level 7, focus on understanding the nuances and contexts in which 口头禅 can be used. Connect this word with other expressions or idioms you've learned, as they often share similar cultural significance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, using a 口头禅 can indicate familiarity and rapport in social interactions. Certain phrases become popular in specific regions or among certain groups, showcasing local dialects or trends.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 口头禅 with similar terms like 习惯用语 (xíguàn yòngyǔ), which means 'idiomatic expression' but lacks the habitual aspect. A wrong example would be using '口头禅' to describe a formal idiom, which is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 口头禅
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Cultural Notes for 口头禅
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, using a 口头禅 can indicate familiarity and rapport in social interactions. Certain phrases become popular in specific regions or among certain groups, showcasing local dialects or trends.
Frequently Asked Questions about 口头禅
A common example would be '你说得对' (You're right), often repeated in conversations to express agreement.
It's best to avoid using 口头禅 in formal settings, as it may come off as unprofessional.
Yes, some phrases may fall out of fashion, so it’s good to stay updated on what is currently popular.
