zhǎo jièkǒu: 找借口 - To Find an Excuse, To Make an Excuse

• Keywords: zhao jiekou, 找借口, jiekou, 借口, find an excuse in Chinese, make an excuse in Chinese, Chinese word for excuse, zhaojiekou meaning, shirking responsibility, saving face in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn how to say “make an excuse” in Chinese with the essential phrase 找借口 (zhǎo jièkǒu). This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance related to “saving face,” and practical usage. Discover how 找借口 differs from giving a legitimate reason (理由, lǐyóu) and master its use through numerous real-world example sentences. This is a must-know term for understanding everyday Chinese conversations about responsibility and accountability.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhǎo jièkǒu
• Part of Speech: Verb-Object Phrase
• HSK Level: Related to HSK 4 (as 借口 is an HSK 4 word)
• Concise Definition: To look for, or invent, an excuse to justify a fault, failure, or inaction.
• In a Nutshell: 找借口 is the action of “making an excuse.” It carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is being dishonest, lazy, or trying to avoid responsibility. It's not just about giving a reason; it's about fabricating a reason to get out of trouble or avoid doing something.

• 找 (zhǎo): Meaning “to look for” or “to find.” The character contains the hand radical (扌), suggesting the physical act of searching for something.
• 借 (jiè): Meaning “to borrow.”
• 口 (kǒu): Meaning “mouth” or “opening.”

When combined, 找借口 (zhǎo jièkǒu) literally means “to look for a borrowed mouth.” This paints a vivid picture: you don't have a good reason of your own, so you have to “borrow” some words or a story to use as an “opening” to escape a situation. It perfectly captures the sense of fabricating an excuse.

• The Connection to “Face” (面子 - miànzi): The act of 找借口 is deeply intertwined with the cultural concept of 面子 (miànzi), or “face.” A person might 找借口 for two main reasons related to face:

1. To Save Their Own Face: Admitting a mistake or failure directly can lead to a loss of face. By making an excuse, one can attempt to deflect blame and preserve their social standing and dignity.

  2.  **To Give Others Face:** Sometimes, you might tell a "white lie" or make an excuse to decline an invitation (e.g., "Sorry, I can't come, I have to work late") instead of saying "I don't want to go." This is a way to reject the offer while allowing the other person to save face, avoiding the embarrassment of a direct refusal.
* **Comparison to Western Culture:** In Western cultures, "making an excuse" is almost universally seen as a sign of weakness, dishonesty, or a lack of accountability. While it holds the same core negative meaning in Chinese culture, the underlying motivation can sometimes be about maintaining social harmony ([[和谐]], héxié) and navigating interpersonal relationships delicately. However, in situations involving work, school, or clear responsibilities, 找借口 is viewed just as negatively as it is in the West—as a clear attempt to shirk one's duty.

• Connotation: Strongly negative. Accusing someone of 找借口 is a direct criticism of their character or work ethic.
• Formality: Highly common in informal, spoken Chinese. It's used among friends, family, colleagues, and in any situation where someone is failing to meet an expectation. In more formal or written contexts, a phrase like 推卸责任 (tuīxiè zérèn) - “to shirk responsibility” - might be used instead, or in addition.

You will hear this phrase constantly:

• A manager telling an employee to stop making excuses for being late.
• A parent scolding a child for not doing their homework.
• Friends teasing each other about bailing on plans.
• On social media, complaining about poor customer service.

• Example 1:
  • 你别再找借口了，这都是你的错。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bié zài zhǎo jièkǒu le, zhè dōu shì nǐ de cuò.
  • English: Stop making excuses, this is all your fault.
  • Analysis: A very direct and common way to confront someone. “别再…了” (bié zài…le) means “Don't… anymore.”
• Example 2:
  • 他总是找借口说自己很忙，其实就是不想来。
  • Pinyin: Tā zǒngshì zhǎo jièkǒu shuō zìjǐ hěn máng, qíshí jiùshì bù xiǎng lái.
  • English: He's always making the excuse that he's busy, but actually he just doesn't want to come.
  • Analysis: This example shows how one can describe another person's habit of making excuses. “总是” (zǒngshì) means “always.”
• Example 3:
  • 作业没写完，你有什么借口？
  • Pinyin: Zuòyè méi xiě wán, nǐ yǒu shénme jièkǒu?
  • English: You didn't finish your homework, what's your excuse?
  • Analysis: Here, 借口 (jièkǒu) is used as a noun meaning “an excuse.” This is a question a teacher or parent would ask.
• Example 4:
  • 迟到的理由有很多，但老板只觉得你在找借口。
  • Pinyin: Chídào de lǐyóu yǒu hěnduō, dàn lǎobǎn zhǐ juéde nǐ zài zhǎo jièkǒu.
  • English: There are many reasons for being late, but the boss just thinks you're making excuses.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly contrasts a legitimate “reason” (理由, lǐyóu) with a perceived “excuse” (借口, jièkǒu).
• Example 5:
  • 我不想找借口，我承认是我的疏忽。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù xiǎng zhǎo jièkǒu, wǒ chéngrèn shì wǒ de shūhū.
  • English: I don't want to make excuses; I admit it was my negligence.
  • Analysis: This shows taking responsibility by explicitly stating one will not 找借口. This is seen as a sign of maturity and accountability.
• Example 6:
  • 他为了不去开会，甚至找借口说他家的猫生病了。
  • Pinyin: Tā wèile bù qù kāihuì, shènzhì zhǎo jièkǒu shuō tā jiā de māo shēngbìng le.
  • English: In order to not go to the meeting, he even made up the excuse that his cat was sick.
  • Analysis: “为了” (wèile) means “in order to,” highlighting the purpose of the excuse. “甚至” (shènzhì) means “even,” emphasizing the absurdity of the excuse.
• Example 7:
  • “堵车”是中国人最常用的借口之一。
  • Pinyin: “Dǔchē” shì Zhōngguórén zuì chángyòng de jièkǒu zhīyī.
  • English: “Traffic jam” is one of the most common excuses used by Chinese people.
  • Analysis: A humorous and culturally relevant example. Here, 借口 is again used as a noun.
• Example 8:
  • 如果你真的想做一件事，你总能找到时间；如果你不想做，你总能找到借口。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ zhēnde xiǎng zuò yī jiàn shì, nǐ zǒng néng zhǎodào shíjiān; rúguǒ nǐ bù xiǎng zuò, nǐ zǒng néng zhǎodào jièkǒu.
  • English: If you really want to do something, you can always find the time; if you don't want to do it, you can always find an excuse.
  • Analysis: A popular saying that contrasts finding time with finding an excuse. Note the parallel structure using “找到时间” (zhǎodào shíjiān - find time) and “找到借口” (zhǎodào jièkǒu - find an excuse).
• Example 9:
  • 别拿“我忘了”当借口。
  • Pinyin: Bié ná “wǒ wàng le” dāng jièkǒu.
  • English: Don't use “I forgot” as an excuse.
  • Analysis: The structure “拿…当…” (ná…dāng…) means “to take… as…” or “to use… as…”. This is a very useful pattern.
• Example 10:
  • 他被批评后，非但没有反思，反而不停地找借口。
  • Pinyin: Tā bèi pīpíng hòu, fēidàn méiyǒu fǎnsī, fǎn'ér bùtíng de zhǎo jièkǒu.
  • English: After being criticized, not only did he not reflect on his actions, but on the contrary, he incessantly made excuses.
  • Analysis: This example uses the advanced structure “非但…反而…” (fēidàn…fǎn'ér…) which means “not only… but on the contrary…”. It shows a strong negative reaction.

• 找借口 (zhǎo jièkǒu) vs. 解释 (jiěshì) / 找理由 (zhǎo lǐyóu)

This is the most critical distinction for learners.

• 找借口 (zhǎo jièkǒu): Always negative. Implies the reason is fabricated or flimsy, and the goal is to avoid blame.
• 解释 (jiěshì): Neutral. It means “to explain.” You can explain the real, factual reason for something. Example: “请让我解释一下为什么我迟到了。” (Qǐng ràng wǒ jiěshì yīxià wèishéme wǒ chídào le.) - “Please let me explain why I was late.”
• 找理由 (zhǎo lǐyóu): Mostly neutral. It means “to find a reason.” A “理由” (lǐyóu) is a reason or justification that is often seen as more legitimate than a “借口” (jièkǒu). You might “找理由” to persuade someone of something, which could be positive or negative depending on context. But if you're explaining a failure, “理由” is the better word for a legitimate reason.
• Incorrect Usage:
• Wrong: 我迟到的借口是路上堵车很严重。(Wǒ chídào de jièkǒu shì lùshang dǔchē hěn yánzhòng.)
• Why it's wrong: If the traffic jam was real and severe, it's a “reason” (理由), not an “excuse” (借口). Using “借口” here makes you sound like you're admitting to lying or that it's a weak reason.
• Correct: 我迟到的理由是路上堵车很严重。(Wǒ chídào de lǐyóu shì lùshang dǔchē hěn yánzhòng.)

• `借口 (jièkǒu)` - The noun form of the verb phrase: “an excuse,” “a pretext.”
• `理由 (lǐyóu)` - A more neutral or legitimate “reason,” “grounds,” or “justification.” Antonym to 借口 in many contexts.
• `解释 (jiěshì)` - (v.) To explain. The neutral act of providing information or clarification.
• `推卸责任 (tuīxiè zérèn)` - (v.) To shirk/evade responsibility. A more formal and stronger phrase that describes what someone who 找借口 is often doing.
• `面子 (miànzi)` - “Face,” social standing, dignity. A core cultural concept that often motivates the act of 找借口.
• `敷衍 (fūyǎn)` - (v.) To be perfunctory; to do something half-heartedly just to get it over with. A person who is 敷衍 in their work will often 找借口 when confronted.
• `找理由 (zhǎo lǐyóu)` - (v.) To find a reason. A more neutral phrase. While 找借口 is always about evading blame, 找理由 can be for many purposes, like finding a reason to celebrate.
• `说辞 (shuōcí)` - (n.) An excuse, a way of putting things. A slightly more formal or literary word for the words used in an excuse.