Definition

1. Verb (often derogatory):
   • To open one's mouth and begin to speak, especially after a period of silence or reluctance. The term carries a negative or critical connotation, implying the speaker is difficult, stubborn, or saying something undesirable.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Gọi mãi mà cũng không khai khẩu được. (I called for a long time, but he still wouldn't open his mouth.)
  • Nó bị bắt rồi nhưng nhất định không chịu khai khẩu. (He was caught but absolutely refused to say a word.)
  • Đến lúc đó hắn mới khai khẩu thú tội. (Only then did he open his mouth and confess.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in contexts involving interrogation, confession, or when someone is being uncooperative or sullen. It is not used for normal, neutral conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Khai (v): to declare, to state (as in - to declare, - to reveal).
• Khẩu (n): mouth (as in - face mask, - karma from speech).

Synonyms

• To speak up: to finally say something.
• To utter a word: to say anything at all.
• To break one's silence: to start speaking after being silent.

Related Idioms

• Câm như hến: (to be) as silent as a clam; describes someone who refuses to speak.
  • Cứ hỏi là nó câm như hến, không bao giờ khai khẩu. (Whenever you ask, he's as silent as a clam and never opens his mouth.)

1. (xấu) Open one's mouth (and speak)