Definition & Meaning

answer back; retort; contradict

Word usage

huán kǒu

还 口

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Chinese dictionary
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v.answer back; retort; contradict
- tā bù xiǎng huán kǒu zhǐ dèng le tā yī yǎn
  他不想还口，只瞪了她一眼。
  He didn't want to answer back, just simply glared at her.
- tā zì zhī lǐ kuī zěn me shuō tā yě bù huán kǒu
  他自知理亏，怎么说他也不还口。
  Knowing he was in the wrong, he didn't answer back no matter what was said.
- tā shuō shén me zhè hái zi dōu yào huán kǒu
  她说什么这孩子都要还口。
  The child would answer back to all she said.
- mà bù huán kǒu
  骂不还口
  not answer back when insulted

Word usage

Separable word
"还" and "口" can be combined as one word, or be used separately with other elements inserted.
- 他太生气了，忍不住还了口。
  He was too angry, so he retorted.
- 他太害羞了以至于还不了口。
  He is too shy to retort.
- 他对别人的批评从未还过口。
  He has never responded to the criticism of others.

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