zik6 hau2藉口
Jyutpingzik6 hau2
Yalejihk háu
Definition
An excuse or pretext used to justify or explain one's actions and avoid responsibility.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the manipulative or defensive nature of an explanation rather than a neutral reason. It implies that the speaker is trying to deflect blame or avoid a task by presenting a justification that may not be entirely honest or sufficient. When someone is clearly making up a story to cover their tracks, it is common to say 搵藉口.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Stop making excuses, being late is just being late.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 理由, which is a neutral word for a reason or justification. Using 藉口 suggests you think the person is being dishonest or evasive, so it can sound accusatory if used to describe someone else's genuine explanation.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
