Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'mouth' with 嘴巴 (zuǐba)

    Existence & Possession

    Explanation

    The noun 嘴巴 (zuǐba) means 'mouth.' It is the colloquial, everyday form compared to the more concise 嘴 or the formal 口. The suffix 巴 softens the word and makes it more conversational. It is commonly used when referring to the physical mouth on a person's face.

    Examples

    • 他嘴巴张得大大的,一脸惊讶。

      Tā zuǐba zhāng de dà dà de, yì liǎn jīngyà.

      His mouth was wide open, with a look of surprise on his face.

    • 小孩子嘴巴甜,谁都喜欢他。

      Xiǎo háizi zuǐba tián, shéi dōu xǐhuan tā.

      The little kid has a sweet mouth; everyone likes him.

    • 你嘴巴上都是巧克力,快擦擦。

      Nǐ zuǐba shàng dōu shì qiǎokèlì, kuài cā cā.

      You have chocolate all over your mouth; wipe it off quickly.

    Expressing 'mouth' with 嘴巴 (zuǐba) | Chinese Grammar