口実(こうじつ)

こうじつ
noun
excuse, pretext
formal
1. excuse, pretext
A reason given to justify an action, often not the true reason; a pretense.
仕事(しごと)を口実(こうじつ)にして、約束(やくそく)を断(ことわ)った。
I used work as an excuse to turn down the invitation.
〜を口実にして = using ~ as an excuse
病気(びょうき)を口実(こうじつ)に会社(かいしゃ)を休(やす)んだ。
I took a day off from work using illness as an excuse.
それは単(たん)なる口実(こうじつ)に過(す)ぎない。
That's nothing but an excuse.
〜に過ぎない = nothing more than
彼(かれ)は体調(たいちょう)不良(ふりょう)を口実(こうじつ)にして、面倒(めんどう)な仕事(しごと)を避(さ)けている。
He's using poor health as an excuse to avoid troublesome work.
出張(しゅっちょう)を口実(こうじつ)にして旅行(りょこう)を楽(たの)しんでいるのではないかと、同僚(どうりょう)に疑(うたが)われた。
My colleagues suspected that I was using business trips as a pretext to enjoy traveling.

Usage

口実(こうじつ) has a negative connotation, implying the stated reason is not the true reason. It suggests deception or avoidance.

Common patterns

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: 言(い)い訳(わけ) (excuse (general))
Compare: 理由(りゆう) (reason)
Compare: 弁解(べんかい) (explanation, defense)
Compare: 隠(かく)れ蓑(みの) (cover)
core
Added 2026.1.13 22:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
04000/04183_koujitsu