二枚舌 Forked Tongue

Meaning

Primary

Forked Tongue

Alternative

Duplicity

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

You have two flat objects that make up your tongue. What kind of tongue is made up of two of anything? That's a tongue that's split, that's a forked tongue.

Reading

にまいじた

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. That's the case for the first two kanji, but 舌 actually uses the kun'yomi. Not only that, it's read here as じた, and not した.

Context

Context Sentences

政治家達の二枚舌にはもうウンザリだよ。

I'm fed up with the double-talk of politicians.

あいつは二枚舌だから気をつけた方がいいよ。

He has a forked tongue, so you should be careful.

上司は二枚舌で、「自分で考えろ！」と「言われた通りやれ！」の二つが口グセなんです。

My boss is hypocritical, often saying "think for yourself!" and "do as you're told!"

Kanji Composition

1. 二

   に Two
2. 枚

   まい Flat Object Counter
3. 舌

   した Tongue