口先(くちさき)三寸(さんずん)

くちさきさんずん
noun
smooth talk; sweet words; lip service
communication
1. smooth talk; glib talk; relying on words alone
Talking skillfully with words but without genuine substance or follow-through. Implies that someone's actions or character do not match their polished speech. Often used critically.
口先(くちさき)三寸(さんずん)でその場(ば)を乗(の)り切(き)ろうとした。
He tried to get through the situation with smooth talk alone.
彼(かれ)は口先(くちさき)三寸(さんずん)だから、話(はなし)をうのみにしてはいけない。
He's all smooth talk, so don't take what he says at face value.
口先(くちさき)三寸(さんずん)で人(ひと)を動(うご)かすことに長(た)けているが、実行力(じっこうりょく)がない。
He is skilled at moving people with clever words, but lacks the ability to follow through.

口先(くちさき) (tip of the tongue; one's words) + 三寸(さんずん) (three sun, a short traditional measure — referring to the small space of the mouth). Together: suggesting talk with no real substance behind it.

Common patterns

  • 口先(くちさき)三寸(さんずん)でごまかす: to gloss over with smooth words
  • 口先(くちさき)三寸(さんずん)の人間(にんげん): a glib person, someone all talk

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 口(くち)だけ (all talk)
Compare: 建前(たてまえ) (stated principle vs. actual intention)
general
Added 2026.6.12 6:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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