口頭

• Reading: こうとう
• Romaji: koutou
• Kanji breakdown: 口 (kou) — mouth; 頭 (tou) — head, beginning
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.to.ɯ/

Meaning

Oral; verbal; spoken. Communication delivered by speech rather than in writing.

A no-adjective and noun referring to communication made through speech as opposed to written form. Common collocations include 口頭で伝える (to convey orally), 口頭試問 (oral examination), 口頭発表 (oral presentation), and 口頭注意 (verbal warning). Frequently used in formal, academic, and legal contexts to distinguish spoken from written procedures.

Examples

1. 契約の詳細は口頭ではなく書面で確認してください。 Please confirm the details of the contract in writing, not verbally.
2. 大学院の試験には口頭試問が含まれている。 The graduate school exam includes an oral examination.
3. 上司から口頭で注意を受けた。 I received a verbal warning from my supervisor.

Usage Guide

Context: business, law, academia, official procedures

Tone: official

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 口 (kou, mouth) + 頭 (tou, head/beginning). Literally 'from the mouth,' directly indicating speech-based communication. 頭 here functions as a suffix indicating the source or starting point.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional