In 15 Seconds
- Literal: Open mouth.
- Use for eating, speaking, or asking.
- Common in medical and food contexts.
- Be mindful of literal vs. figurative use.
Meaning
This phrase literally means 'to open your mouth'. It's super common and can signal you're about to eat, speak up, or even ask for something significant. Think of it as the physical action that precedes a verbal or ingestive one. It carries a vibe of readiness, sometimes anticipation, and can even imply a bit of vulnerability or boldness depending on the situation.
Key Examples
3 of 12At a doctor's office
医生说：“请`张嘴`，我看看你的喉咙。”
The doctor said, "Please open your mouth, let me look at your throat."
Feeding a baby
妈妈温柔地说：“宝宝乖，`张嘴`吃这个香蕉泥。”
Mom said gently, "Baby, be good, open your mouth and eat this banana puree."
Trying a large piece of food
这个汉堡太大了，我得用力`张嘴`才能咬一口。
This burger is too big, I have to open my mouth hard to take a bite.
Cultural Background
The phrase `张嘴` is deeply rooted in the fundamental human actions of eating and communicating. Its existence is so basic it predates specific historical events. Culturally, it reflects the directness and practicality often valued in Chinese communication. The emphasis is on the observable action, making it a clear and unambiguous instruction or description, essential for everyday interactions from childhood care to medical settings.
Literal vs. Figurative
Remember `张嘴` is mostly about the *physical action*. For 'speaking up' or 'voicing opinions', `开口` (kāikǒu) or `发言` (fāyán) are usually better choices. Don't tell your boss to `张嘴` unless you're offering them a cookie!
Don't Be Rude!
While `闭嘴` (bì zuǐ) means 'close your mouth,' it's often used rudely like 'shut up.' Use it with extreme caution, preferably not at all unless you're joking with close friends!
In 15 Seconds
- Literal: Open mouth.
- Use for eating, speaking, or asking.
- Common in medical and food contexts.
- Be mindful of literal vs. figurative use.
What It Means
张嘴 (zhāng zuǐ) is your go-to phrase for the simple act of opening your mouth. It’s like saying, 'Here I come!' to food or words. It’s a basic physical action, but it’s packed with potential. It can signal the start of eating, speaking, or even asking for a big favor. It’s direct and to the point. Imagine a baby bird waiting for food – its mouth is open, ready! That’s the essence of 张嘴.
How To Use It
You use 张嘴 when you're about to do something that requires your mouth to be open. This is often related to eating. Think of a doctor asking you to open your mouth for an examination. Or when you're about to take a big bite of a delicious sandwich. It can also be used figuratively, like when you're about to speak up about something important or ask a big question. It sets the stage for what's coming next. It’s a very versatile phrase for a simple action.
Real-Life Examples
- A parent coaxing a child to eat: "来，
张嘴，妈妈喂你吃苹果。" (Lai,zhāng zuǐ, māma wèi nǐ chī píngguǒ.) - Come on, open your mouth, Mom will feed you apple. - A doctor examining your throat: "请
张嘴，说‘啊’。" (Qǐngzhāng zuǐ, shuō ‘ā’.) - Please open your mouth and say 'Ah'. - Someone offering you a snack: "想吃吗？快
张嘴！" (Xiǎng chī ma? Kuàizhāng zuǐ!) - Want to eat? Quickly open your mouth! - A friend telling a joke: "你听了这个笑话，肯定会笑得合不拢嘴，但现在先
张嘴听听！" (Nǐ tīngle zhège xiàohuà, kěndìng huì xiào de hé bù lǒng zuǐ, dàn xiànzài xiānzhāng zuǐtīng ting!) - After hearing this joke, you definitely won't be able to close your mouth from laughing, but for now, open your mouth and listen!
When To Use It
Use 张嘴 when you're literally describing the action of opening your mouth. This happens most often when eating or receiving medicine. It's also used in medical contexts for examinations. Think of a dentist, a doctor, or even a veterinarian checking an animal's mouth. It can also be used playfully, like when you're about to give someone a piece of food. It's a very direct and clear instruction or description.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 张嘴 when you're talking about speaking in general. If you just want to say someone is talking, you'd use verbs like 说 (shuō - to say) or 说话 (shuōhuà - to speak). 张嘴 implies the physical opening action, not just the act of verbalizing. Also, avoid it for expressions like 'speaking your mind' unless you are emphasizing the initial physical act of opening your mouth to do so. It’s not for abstract concepts of speech. It's quite literal, so don't force it into non-literal situations unless the physical action is key.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 张嘴 with simply saying something. They might say 张嘴 when they mean 说 (shuō). For example, instead of telling someone to speak up, they might say "请张嘴" which sounds like "Please open your mouth." It’s not wrong, but it’s not what they intended. You need to be careful about the context. Using 张嘴 when you mean to encourage someone to express an opinion is also a common slip-up.
✗ 我想说我的想法，但是不敢张嘴。
✓ 我想说我的想法，但是不敢开口。
✗ 老师让我们张嘴回答问题。
✓ 老师让我们发言。
Similar Expressions
开口(kāikǒu): This also means 'to open mouth' but is more often used for starting to speak, asking for something, or beginning a conversation. It's less about the physical act and more about the initiation of speech or a request. Think of it as 'to break the silence' or 'to voice something.'说(shuō): This simply means 'to say' or 'to speak.' It focuses purely on the verbalization, not the physical action of opening the mouth.吃(chī): This means 'to eat.' While eating involves张嘴,吃is the main verb for the action of consuming food.
Common Variations
张大嘴巴(zhāng dà zuǐba): This means 'to open your mouth wide.' It's a more emphatic version, suggesting a larger opening. Useful if you're describing someone taking a huge bite or yawning dramatically.闭嘴(bì zuǐ): This is the direct opposite – 'to close your mouth' or 'shut up.' Use this one carefully, as it can be quite rude!哭笑不得(kū xiào bù dé): This idiom literally means 'can't laugh or cry,' but it's related because it implies a situation so absurd you don't know how to react, often involving a wide-open mouth in surprise or confusion.
Memory Trick
Imagine a friendly zoo keeper feeding a lion. The keeper says, "Okay, big guy, 张嘴!" (zhāng zuǐ). The lion opens its mouth wide (张 - open, 嘴 - mouth) to get the treat. The image of a big, open mouth for food is unforgettable! Plus, 张 sounds a bit like 'charge,' and the lion is ready to charge at the food, mouth wide open!
Quick FAQ
- Doctor: "
张嘴，说‘啊’。" (Please open your mouth and say 'Ah'.) - Parent: "快
张嘴，吃药了！" (Quick, open your mouth, time for medicine!) - Friend: "这个冰淇淋太大了，我
张嘴都吃不下！" (This ice cream is too big, I can't eat it even with my mouth open!)
Usage Notes
`张嘴` is primarily used for the literal, physical act of opening your mouth. While it can sometimes imply readiness to eat or speak, it's best reserved for concrete situations like medical exams or being fed. Avoid using it when you mean 'to speak up' or 'express an opinion'; `开口` or `发言` are better choices for those contexts.
Literal vs. Figurative
Remember `张嘴` is mostly about the *physical action*. For 'speaking up' or 'voicing opinions', `开口` (kāikǒu) or `发言` (fāyán) are usually better choices. Don't tell your boss to `张嘴` unless you're offering them a cookie!
Don't Be Rude!
While `闭嘴` (bì zuǐ) means 'close your mouth,' it's often used rudely like 'shut up.' Use it with extreme caution, preferably not at all unless you're joking with close friends!
Directness in Action
The prevalence of `张嘴` highlights a cultural appreciation for clear, action-oriented language. Instructions related to basic needs like eating or health are direct and unambiguous.
The Power of 'Ah'
The phrase `张嘴，说‘啊’` (zhāng zuǐ, shuō ‘ā’) is one of the most common pairings you'll hear. It's the universal signal for a throat check, so mastering this combo is super useful!
Examples
12医生说：“请`张嘴`，我看看你的喉咙。”
The doctor said, "Please open your mouth, let me look at your throat."
Here, `张嘴` is a direct command for the physical action needed for examination.
妈妈温柔地说：“宝宝乖，`张嘴`吃这个香蕉泥。”
Mom said gently, "Baby, be good, open your mouth and eat this banana puree."
Encouraging the child to open their mouth for food.
这个汉堡太大了，我得用力`张嘴`才能咬一口。
This burger is too big, I have to open my mouth hard to take a bite.
Emphasizes the physical effort required to open the mouth.
这顿火锅太满足了！我的胃和我的嘴一样`张`得好大！😋 #吃货日常
This hotpot meal was so satisfying! My stomach and my mouth opened just as wide! 😋 #FoodieLife
A slightly playful, exaggerated use, implying the mouth was opened wide for the food.
哇，他一口塞了好多！看得我都想跟着`张嘴`了！
Wow, he fit so much in one bite! Watching him makes me want to open my mouth too!
Relatable reaction to watching someone eat a lot, mimicking the action.
面试官问：“你认为自己最大的优点是什么？请详细说明。” （考生需要`开口`回答）
The interviewer asked, "What do you consider your greatest strength? Please elaborate." (The candidate needs to *speak* to answer)
This is a situation where speaking is required, but `开口` (kāikǒu - to start speaking/open up) is more appropriate than `张嘴` (zhāng zuǐ - open mouth).
在会议结束时，主持人鼓励大家：“如有疑问，请随时提出。” （需要`发言`）
At the end of the meeting, the host encouraged everyone, "If you have questions, please feel free to raise them." (Requires *speaking up*)
Here, the need is to speak or voice opinions, so `发言` (fāyán - to speak/make a statement) is correct, not the physical `张嘴`.
✗ 请`张嘴`，告诉我你的想法。
✗ Please open your mouth, tell me your thoughts.
This sounds like telling someone to physically open their mouth, not to express their opinion. `开口` or `说` is better.
✗ 他一`张嘴`，大家就笑了。
✗ As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone laughed.
Unless the context is specifically about his mouth opening (e.g., a funny expression), `开口` (kāikǒu) or `说话` (shuōhuà) is usually meant here for the act of speaking.
我饿得能吃下一头牛！来，快给我`张嘴`！
I'm so hungry I could eat a cow! Come on, quickly open your mouth for me!
Playfully demanding food, using `张嘴` to emphasize the eagerness to eat.
看着我，看着我的眼睛，求你了，`张嘴`说实话！
Look at me, look into my eyes, I beg you, open your mouth and tell the truth!
Here, `张嘴` emphasizes the physical act of speaking the truth, adding a layer of urgency and sincerity.
护士拿着药，对病人说：“来，`张嘴`，把药吃了。”
The nurse held the medicine and said to the patient, "Come, open your mouth and take the medicine."
A standard, direct instruction in a medical context.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The doctor is asking the patient to physically open their mouth for an examination, so `张嘴` (open mouth) is the correct choice.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
To eat something large, you need to open your mouth, not close it. `张嘴` (open mouth) is the correct word here.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses `张嘴`?
Option B uses `张嘴` correctly for the physical action of opening the mouth during a medical check. Options A, C, and D misuse the phrase; they imply speaking or expressing oneself, where `闭嘴` (close mouth), `开口` (open mouth to speak), or `说话` (speak) would be more appropriate.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation uses `张开了嘴` (zhāng kāile zuǐ), the past tense of `张嘴`, to describe the action of opening the mouth to receive food.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The context is offering food, so the person needs to open their mouth (`张嘴`) to be fed.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While 'can't close mouth' is sometimes used idiomatically for surprise, a more direct and common expression for being so surprised you can't close your mouth (implying it's wide open) is `张不开嘴巴` (zhāng bu kāi zuǐba - can't open mouth wide enough, implying it's already open in shock) or simply emphasizing the open mouth. However, the prompt implies a mistake in the original sentence related to `张嘴`. A better correction focusing on the 'open mouth' aspect would be: '听到这个消息，他惊讶得嘴巴都`张`大了' (His mouth opened wide in surprise). If the intent was 'couldn't close his mouth', the original phrase is acceptable but less common than idioms like '目瞪口呆'. Given the focus on `张嘴`, the most logical correction would be to use a form of `张` to indicate the mouth being open in shock.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This is a common command, often used by doctors or parents, meaning 'Come, open your mouth, say Ah.'
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation uses `张` (zhāng) in `大张着` (dà zhāng zhe) to describe the state of the mouth being wide open due to shock.
Choose the correct option.
Which sentence best conveys the idea of 'opening up' to express oneself?
Option D uses `开口` (kāikǒu), which means 'to open one's mouth to speak' or 'to start talking', fitting the context of expressing opinions. Options A, B, and C misuse `张嘴` (zhāng zuǐ), which refers more to the physical opening of the mouth rather than the act of speaking or expressing oneself.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
While `张嘴` is the physical act, `开口` (kāikǒu) specifically means to 'open one's mouth to speak' or 'to initiate a request/conversation', which is perfect for asking for a raise.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
You need to open your mouth (`张嘴`) to eat something, not close it (`闭嘴`). The sentence implies eagerness to eat.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This sentence means 'You don't want to eat, so don't open your mouth (to refuse/not eat).' It uses `张嘴` in a slightly nuanced way, implying the action of opening the mouth to eat.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for '张嘴'
Playful commands, casual requests among close friends.
快`张嘴`，吃糖！(Quick, open up, eat candy!)
Everyday instructions, descriptions of eating or medical checks.
医生说：请`张嘴`。
Rarely used in formal settings; more formal alternatives exist.
（Not typically used in formal speech）
Where You'll Hear '张嘴'
Doctor's Visit
医生：请`张嘴`。
Feeding a Child
妈妈：来，`张嘴`吃。
Eating Large Foods
这汉堡太大了，我得`张嘴`。
Taking Medicine
护士：`张嘴`，吃药。
Yawning
他`张嘴`打了个哈欠。
Expressing Surprise (Figurative)
他惊讶得`张`大了嘴。
'张嘴' vs. Related Phrases
Usage Categories for '张嘴'
Eating Related
- • Taking a bite
- • Receiving food
- • Eating medicine
Medical Context
- • Throat check
- • Dental exam
- • General check-up
Physical Action
- • Yawning
- • Shouting (implied start)
- • Expressing shock (wide open)
Figurative/Exaggerated
- • Mouth open in awe
- • Playful command to eat
- • Describing large portions
Practice Bank
12 exercises医生要求病人 `___`，说‘啊’。
The doctor is asking the patient to physically open their mouth for an examination, so `张嘴` (open mouth) is the correct choice.
Find and fix the mistake:
这个蛋糕太大了，我需要很大力气才能 闭嘴 吃。
To eat something large, you need to open your mouth, not close it. `张嘴` (open mouth) is the correct word here.
Which sentence correctly uses `张嘴`?
Option B uses `张嘴` correctly for the physical action of opening the mouth during a medical check. Options A, C, and D misuse the phrase; they imply speaking or expressing oneself, where `闭嘴` (close mouth), `开口` (open mouth to speak), or `说话` (speak) would be more appropriate.
The baby opened its mouth for the spoon.
Hints: Use 'baby' for 宝宝, Use 'for' or imply direction, Use 'spoon' for 勺子
This translation uses `张开了嘴` (zhāng kāile zuǐ), the past tense of `张嘴`, to describe the action of opening the mouth to receive food.
别光看着，快`张嘴`，我喂你吃！
The context is offering food, so the person needs to open their mouth (`张嘴`) to be fed.
Find and fix the mistake:
听到这个消息，他惊讶得合不拢 嘴巴。
While 'can't close mouth' is sometimes used idiomatically for surprise, a more direct and common expression for being so surprised you can't close your mouth (implying it's wide open) is `张不开嘴巴` (zhāng bu kāi zuǐba - can't open mouth wide enough, implying it's already open in shock) or simply emphasizing the open mouth. However, the prompt implies a mistake in the original sentence related to `张嘴`. A better correction focusing on the 'open mouth' aspect would be: '听到这个消息，他惊讶得嘴巴都`张`大了' (His mouth opened wide in surprise). If the intent was 'couldn't close his mouth', the original phrase is acceptable but less common than idioms like '目瞪口呆'. Given the focus on `张嘴`, the most logical correction would be to use a form of `张` to indicate the mouth being open in shock.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This is a common command, often used by doctors or parents, meaning 'Come, open your mouth, say Ah.'
He was so shocked, his mouth hung open.
Hints: Use 'shocked' for 惊呆了, Use 'mouth' for 嘴巴, Use 'hung open' or similar for 大张着
This translation uses `张` (zhāng) in `大张着` (dà zhāng zhe) to describe the state of the mouth being wide open due to shock.
Which sentence best conveys the idea of 'opening up' to express oneself?
Option D uses `开口` (kāikǒu), which means 'to open one's mouth to speak' or 'to start talking', fitting the context of expressing opinions. Options A, B, and C misuse `张嘴` (zhāng zuǐ), which refers more to the physical opening of the mouth rather than the act of speaking or expressing oneself.
这个挑战需要你鼓起勇气，大胆地向老板提出加薪请求，也就是要`___`。
While `张嘴` is the physical act, `开口` (kāikǒu) specifically means to 'open one's mouth to speak' or 'to initiate a request/conversation', which is perfect for asking for a raise.
Find and fix the mistake:
为了吃到那块巧克力，他`闭嘴`地伸长了脖子。
You need to open your mouth (`张嘴`) to eat something, not close it (`闭嘴`). The sentence implies eagerness to eat.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence means 'You don't want to eat, so don't open your mouth (to refuse/not eat).' It uses `张嘴` in a slightly nuanced way, implying the action of opening the mouth to eat.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsLiterally, 张嘴 (zhāng zuǐ) means 'to open mouth.' 张 means 'to open' and 嘴 means 'mouth.' It describes the physical action of parting your lips and opening your oral cavity.
You should use 张嘴 when you are talking about the physical act of opening your mouth. This is very common when eating, being fed, taking medicine, or undergoing a medical examination like a throat check.
Yes, sometimes it's used figuratively, often with exaggeration. For example, someone might say they 张大了嘴 (opened their mouth wide) in surprise. However, for expressing opinions or starting a conversation, other phrases are usually better.
张嘴 is generally considered neutral. It's used in everyday conversation, by doctors, parents, and friends. It's not overly formal, but it's also not slang. You wouldn't typically use it in a very formal speech unless describing a physical action.
张嘴 focuses on the physical action of opening the mouth. 开口 (kāikǒu) means 'to open one's mouth to speak' or 'to start talking/asking.' 开口 is more about initiating speech or a request, while 张嘴 is just the physical movement.
To tell someone to 'speak up' or 'voice their opinion,' 开口 (kāikǒu) is often suitable, especially in a context where they need to initiate speech. In group settings or formal situations, 发言 (fāyán - to speak/make a statement) is more appropriate. 张嘴 would sound strange here.
The opposite of 张嘴 is 闭嘴 (bì zuǐ). However, this phrase is often considered rude, similar to 'shut up' in English. Use it very carefully, perhaps only with close friends in a joking manner, or avoid it altogether.
Yes, 张嘴 can definitely appear in texting or social media. For instance, someone might text '我饿了，快张嘴！' (I'm hungry, open up!) when offering food, or comment on a video '看得我都要张嘴了' (Watching this makes me want to open my mouth too!).
A very common mistake is using 张嘴 when they mean to encourage someone to speak or express themselves. For example, saying '请张嘴' when you mean 'Please speak' or 'Please state your opinion.' This sounds like a literal command to open their mouth.
Yes, it can be used to describe surprise, often in an exaggerated way. You might say someone's mouth was 张得很大 (zhāng de hěn dà - opened very wide) in shock. However, simply saying 张嘴 might not convey surprise on its own; context is key.
The phrase reflects a practical, action-oriented aspect of Chinese communication. It's tied to fundamental human needs like eating and basic medical interactions, making it a universally understood and direct term.
While 张嘴 is standard Mandarin, nuances might exist. However, its core meaning of 'open mouth' is widely understood across Mandarin-speaking regions. Variations usually involve adding emphasis like 张大嘴巴 (open mouth wide).
The standard phrase is 张嘴，说‘啊’ (zhāng zuǐ, shuō ‘ā’). This is a very common instruction given by doctors during a physical examination.
Yes, you can say someone 张嘴 (opened their mouth) to yawn. For example, '他张嘴打了个哈欠' (tā zhāng zuǐ dǎle gè hāqian) means 'He opened his mouth and yawned.'
嘴巴 (zuǐba) is the noun 'mouth.' 张嘴 (zhāng zuǐ) is a verb-object phrase meaning 'to open mouth.' So, 嘴巴 is the body part, and 张嘴 is the action performed with it.
Not directly. 张嘴 is about opening. To say 'don't speak,' you'd use 别说话 (bié shuōhuà) or, if being rude, 闭嘴 (bì zuǐ). Using 别张嘴 would imply 'don't open your mouth,' which is odd unless maybe someone is about to eat something they shouldn't.
Rarely, and only if describing a physical action. If an interviewer asks you to elaborate, they want you to 发言 (fāyán) or 开口 (kāikǒu), not 张嘴 (zhāng zuǐ). Using 张嘴 would be confusing.
张嘴就来 (zhāng zuǐ jiù lái) is an idiom meaning 'it comes out as soon as you open your mouth.' It implies something is said effortlessly, fluently, or perhaps without much thought. It's often used for speaking fluently or producing something easily.
Focus on contexts involving eating, medical checks, or physical actions like yawning or gasping. Pair it with verbs like 吃 (eat), 喝 (drink), or descriptions of actions. Listen to native speakers in these specific situations to catch the natural flow.
Indirectly, perhaps. If someone is begging for food, they might be described as having their mouth open (张着嘴), but the primary verb for begging is 乞讨 (qǐtǎo). 张嘴 would describe the posture accompanying the act.
Related Phrases
开口
related topicTo open mouth (to speak/ask)
While both involve opening the mouth, `开口` specifically implies initiating speech or making a request, making it a more nuanced alternative for verbal actions.
闭嘴
antonymTo close mouth / Shut up
`闭嘴` is the direct opposite of `张嘴`, signifying the action of closing the mouth, and can carry a rude connotation.
说话
related topicTo speak / To talk
`说话` is the general verb for speaking, focusing on the act of verbal communication itself, whereas `张嘴` describes the physical action that enables it.
吃
related topicTo eat
Eating inherently requires opening the mouth (`张嘴`), making `张嘴` a preparatory or descriptive action often associated with the verb `吃`.
发言
formal versionTo speak up / To make a statement
`发言` is a more formal term for speaking, particularly in public or group settings, contrasting with the basic physical action of `张嘴`.
说‘啊’
related topicSay 'Ah'
This specific phrase is a very common collocation with `张嘴` in medical contexts, forming a standard instruction for examinations.
