Meaning and Usage
"口頭" (こうとう) means "oral" or "spoken" and is used to describe communication or information conveyed by speech rather than in writing. It is a formal term often used in academic, legal, or official contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "口頭" paired with words like "説明" (explanation), "試験" (exam), or "約束" (promise) to specify that something is done verbally.
Collocations and Patterns
- 口頭で (こうとうで): "orally" or "by word of mouth"; used to indicate that something is communicated verbally.
- 口頭試験 (こうとうしけん): "oral exam"; a common term in education.
- 口頭約束 (こうとうやくそく): "oral promise"; often contrasted with written agreements.
Register and Nuance
"口頭" is a formal noun and is not typically used in casual conversation. It is more common in written Japanese or formal speech. When speaking casually, people might use "話す" or "言う" instead.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "口頭" with "口語" (colloquial language). Remember, "口頭" refers to the mode of communication (oral vs. written), while "口語" refers to the style or register of language (spoken vs. literary).