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.
あいつは口だけだ。
That guy is all talk.
口だけじゃなくて、行動で示してほしい。
I want you to show it through actions, not just words.
彼の約束はいつも口だけで終わる。
His promises always end up being nothing but empty words.
口だけの謝罪では許されない。
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:
- 口だけの人: person who is all talk
- 口だけの約束: empty promise
- 口だけで終わる: to end up being just talk
- 口だけじゃなく: not just words (but action too)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 口先だけ: superficial words only — similar meaning, slightly more literary
- 有言不実行: saying but not doing — four-character compound; formal
- 大口を叩く: to talk big — emphasizes boasting rather than inaction