1.
putting in a good word, recommendation, intercession
Speaking favorably on someone's behalf to a person of influence, in order to help them gain a favorable outcome.
先生に口添えをお願いした。
I asked the teacher to put in a good word for me.
部長の口添えのおかげで採用された。
I was hired thanks to the department head putting in a good word.
知人に口添えを頼んで、面接の機会をもらった。
I asked an acquaintance to put in a good word and got an interview opportunity.
WORD FORMATION:
口 (mouth, words) + 添え (adding, accompanying)
Literally "adding words" — speaking supportively on someone's behalf.
PATTERNS:
- 口添えをする: to put in a good word
- 口添えを頼む: to ask someone to put in a good word
- ～の口添えで: thanks to ~'s recommendation
NUANCE:
Implies using personal connections or influence to help someone. In Japanese society, where personal networks (人脈) play an important role, 口添え is a recognized and valued form of social support, though in formal contexts it can overlap with concepts of favoritism.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 口添えをお願いする: to ask for a recommendation (polite)
- 口添えのおかげで: thanks to someone's good word
- 口添えを頼む: to ask for a good word