口実

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 口実 is read as こうじつ and means excuse or pretext.
• Basic usage: It can describe rain used as an excuse or busyness used as a pretext for postponement.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Using rain as an excuse
  • 口実: I used the rain as an excuse to cancel my outing. Example: 雨を口実にして外出を取りやめた。
• Using busyness as a pretext
  • 口実: Do not use being busy as a pretext for putting off a commitment. Example: 忙しさを口実に約束を先延ばしにしてはいけない。