口气
Traditional: 口氣
kǒu qì HSK 6

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

他的口气很严厉。
Tā de kǒuqì hěn yánlì.
His tone is very stern.
她说话的口气很友好。
Tā shuōhuà de kǒuqì hěn yǒuhǎo.
Her tone of speech is very friendly.
老板的口气表明他不满意。
Lǎobǎn de kǒuqì biǎomíng tā bù mǎnyì.
The boss's tone indicates he is not satisfied.
他的口气很凶。
Tā de kǒuqì hěn xiōng.
His tone is very fierce.
她口气很温柔。
Tā kǒuqì hěn wēnróu.
Her tone is very gentle.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 口 (kǒu) means 'mouth,' and 气 (qì) means 'air' or 'energy'—think of it as the 'air from the mouth' that carries your tone. Imagine someone's breath (气) as they speak (口) revealing their attitude.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. Common in discussions about communication styles, such as giving feedback, analyzing dialogues, or describing interpersonal interactions (e.g., in relationships or workplace conversations).

📖 Grammar Points

Often appears with modifiers like adjectives (e.g., 命令的口气) or verbs (e.g., 用...的口气说话). Common structure: 用 + [adjective] + 的口气 + 说话/表达.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, paying attention to 口气 is important for maintaining harmony (和谐), as a harsh tone can be seen as disrespectful, even if the words themselves are neutral. Indirect criticism often relies on softening one's 口气.

🔄 Similar Words

语气 (yǔqì) also means 'tone' but is broader, including grammatical mood (e.g., imperative tone) and often used in linguistics; 口气 focuses more on personal attitude or manner in speech. 语调 (yǔdiào) refers specifically to intonation or pitch in speech.

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