口頭で注意する

• Reading: こうとうでちゅういする
• Romaji: koutou de chuui suru
• Kanji breakdown: 口 (kō/kuchi) — mouth; 頭 (tō) — head; 注 (chū) — pour; 意 (i) — mind, attention
• Pronunciation: /koː.toː.de.tɕɯː.i.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To warn verbally; to give a spoken caution or reprimand rather than a written one.

A phrase combining 口頭で (verbally, orally) with 注意する (to warn, to caution). Commonly used in workplace and school settings to describe an informal warning given through speech. Distinguished from 書面で注意する (written warning), which carries more formal or legal weight. Often the first step in a disciplinary process.

Examples

1. 遅刻が続いたので上司から口頭で注意された。 My boss gave me a verbal warning for repeated tardiness.
2. 今回は口頭で注意するだけにしますが、次回は処分があります。 This time we'll just give you a verbal warning, but next time there will be disciplinary action.
3. 先生が生徒に口頭で注意してから態度が改善した。 After the teacher gave the student a verbal warning, their behavior improved.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, school, discipline

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Phrase composed of 口頭 (kōtō, oral — lit. mouth + head) + で (by means of) + 注意する (chūi suru, to warn — lit. pour + attention + do).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal