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口癖 (くちぐせ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
noun
pet phrase ; favorite saying ; catchphrase
A phrase someone says repeatedly or characteristically, often without noticing it. It can be affectionate, neutral, or mildly critical depending on context.
口くち
癖ぐせ
だっ
た
。
The teacher was always saying, “First, let’s try it.”
2
noun
speech habit ; characteristic way of talking
Can refer more broadly to a habitual verbal tic or manner of speaking, not only to one fixed catchphrase.
Written forms 口くち 癖ぐせ Usage 84%
Standard kanji spelling; this form is high priority.
口くち ぐせ Usage 16%
Mixed kana spelling given; useful when the kanji 癖 is avoided or the writing style is softer.
Similar words 決き まり 文もん 句く A set phrase or stock expression; unlike 口癖, it is not necessarily tied to one person's habitual speech.
口く 調ちょう Refers to tone or manner of speaking more generally, such as harshness or politeness, rather than a repeated phrase or verbal habit.
癖くせ A general habit, tendency, or quirk; 口癖 is specifically a habit in speech.
Etymology Transparent compound of 口, here meaning speech or what comes from the mouth, and 癖, meaning habit or tendency.
