口头

• Pinyin: kǒu tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 口 = 口 (mouth — opening for speech); 头 = 头 (head — suffix indicating aspect or manner)

Meaning

Oral; verbal; spoken. Refers to communication or agreements made by speaking rather than in writing.

Contrasts with 书面 (written). Common collocations include 口头禅 (pet phrase/mantra), 口头承诺 (verbal promise), 口头表达 (oral expression), and 口头语 (colloquialism). Often implies something is informal or not legally binding compared to written agreements.

Examples

1. 双方虽然达成了口头协议，但没有签订正式合同，导致后续产生了诸多纠纷。 Even though the two sides reached a verbal agreement, they didn’t sign a formal contract, which led to many disputes later on.
2. 他的口头表达能力非常出色，总能在演讲中牢牢抓住听众的注意力。 His speaking skills are excellent—he always manages to hold the audience’s attention during a talk.
3. 仅凭口头承诺是不够的，所有重要事项都必须落实到书面文件中。 A verbal promise isn’t enough; all important matters must be put into writing.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, law, business, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 在法律层面上，口头合同虽然也具有一定的效力，但举证困难，不如书面合同可靠。(At the legal level, although oral contracts also have certain validity, they are difficult to prove and not as reliable as written contracts.)
• 他善于口头表达，无论是即兴演讲还是正式报告，都能做到条理清晰、引人入胜。(He is good at oral expression; whether it is an impromptu speech or a formal report, he can deliver it in a clear and engaging manner.)

Don't Say

• 我口头你 — 口头 cannot be used as a verb; use 口头告诉你 or 当面对你说 instead

Origin & History

口 (mouth) + 头 (head/aspect)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal