口をきく (to speak to / address)

The set phrase 口をきく (also 口を利く), literally 'to use one's mouth,' meaning 'to speak to, to address, to talk.' Often appears in negative form (口をきかない) to mark a refusal to speak — the silent treatment, an estranged relationship, or someone too proud to engage. Often paired with adjectives describing the manner of speech (偉そうな口をきく 'talk like a big shot').