口述

こうじゅつ

verbal statement

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"口述" (こうじゅつ) refers to expressing information or statements verbally rather than in writing. It is often used in formal or official contexts such as legal testimony, oral exams, or interviews.

Common Contexts

You will frequently encounter "口述" in legal settings (口述証言 - oral testimony), academic or language testing (口述試験 - oral exam), and documentation where spoken words are recorded (口述記録).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 口述試験: oral examination, testing speaking ability.
  • 口述証言: oral testimony, often in court.
  • 口述記録: verbal record, usually recorded or transcribed.

Register and Nuance

"口述" is a formal term and not commonly used in casual conversation. It emphasizes the spoken nature of the statement, often implying an official or recorded context.

Learner Tips

A common confusion is mixing "口述" with "話す" or "言う," which are more general verbs for speaking. Use "口述" when referring specifically to formal or official verbal statements or records.

Example Sentences

かれはじけんのしょうさいをこうじゅつでせつめいした。

He explained the details of the incident by verbal statement.

こうじゅつしけんでは、めんせつかんにちょくせつはなすちからがためされる。

In an oral exam, your ability to speak directly to the interviewer is tested.

こうじゅつきろくをとるために、ろくおんきをつかった。

I used a recorder to take verbal records.