also: こう
noun
Only with reading く
Buddhist term for mouth or speech. In Buddhist contexts, it often refers to one of the three gates of action (body, speech, mind).
仏教では、口の行いに気をつけることが大切だとされる。
In Buddhism, it is considered important to be mindful of one's speech.
suffix, counter
counter for people or implements
Only with reading こう
Usually read こう. Used as a suffix or counter for people or certain implements, especially in formal or literary contexts.
この寺には僧が十口いる。
There are ten monks in this temple.
The kanji 口 originally depicts a mouth. The reading く is the native Japanese word for mouth, while こう is the Sino-Japanese reading used in compounds and counters.