Meaning and Usage
The word 口子 (kǒuzi) primarily refers to a physical opening such as a hole or a wound. It is commonly used to describe a tear or gap in clothing or an injury on the skin. Beyond the literal sense, 口子 can also metaphorically mean an opportunity or a loophole, especially in contexts like exams or negotiations.
Common Collocations
- 衣服上的口子: a hole in clothes, often requiring mending.
- 手上的口子: a wound on the hand, usually fresh or healing.
- 给口子: to give an opening or chance, often figurative.
Usage Notes
口子 is a colloquial term and often used in everyday speech. When referring to wounds, it implies a fresh or open injury rather than a healed scar. In figurative use, it suggests a chance or an opening to do something, often implying a small or limited opportunity.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 口子 with 口 (mouth) alone; 口子 always implies an opening or gap, not just the mouth. Also, 口子 differs from 孔 (kǒng), which is more formal and used for holes or apertures in objects or structures.