口(くち)だけ

くちだけ
noun, expression
all talk; lip service; empty words
informalcommunication
1. all talk; lip service; empty words
Describes someone who says things but never follows through with action, or statements that are not backed by genuine effort or intention. Always carries a negative, critical nuance.
あいつは口(くち)だけだ。
That guy is all talk.
口(くち)だけじゃなくて、行動(こうどう)で示(しめ)してほしい。
I want you to show it through actions, not just words.
彼(かれ)の約束(やくそく)はいつも口(くち)だけで終(お)わる。
His promises always end up being nothing but empty words.
口(くち)だけの謝罪(しゃざい)では許(ゆる)されない。
A mere verbal apology won't be forgiven.

Very common colloquial expression used to criticize someone who talks big but doesn't deliver. Functions as a predicate (口だけだ), a modifier (口だけの人), or part of a larger phrase. The tone is always dismissive or critical.

Common collocations

  • 口(くち)だけの人(ひと): person who is all talk
  • 口(くち)だけの約束(やくそく): empty promise
  • 口(くち)だけで終(お)わる: to end up being just talk
  • 口(くち)だけじゃなく: not just words (but action too)

Similar words

  • 口先(くちさき)だけ: superficial words only — similar meaning, slightly more literary
  • 有言不実行(ゆうげんふじっこう): saying but not doing — four-character compound; formal
  • 大口(おおぐち)を叩(たた)く: to talk big — emphasizes boasting rather than inaction

Related Words

Compare: 口先(くちさき)だけ (superficial words only)
Compare: 口先(くちさき)三寸(さんずん) (smooth talk)
general
Added 2026.5.5 23:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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