口頭(こうとう)

こうとう
noun
oral, verbal
formalcommunication
1. oral, verbal, spoken
Communicated by speaking rather than in writing. Used as a noun modifier (with の) to describe instructions, agreements, explanations, and other forms of communication that are delivered orally.
口頭(こうとう)で説明(せつめい)する。
Explain verbally.
口頭(こうとう)試験(しけん)は来週(らいしゅう)の月曜日(げつようび)に行(おこな)われる。
The oral examination will be held next Monday.
書面(しょめん)ではなく口頭(こうとう)での約束(やくそく)だったので、証拠(しょうこ)が残(のこ)っていない。
Since it was a verbal promise rather than a written one, there is no evidence left.

Common collocations

Almost always used as a modifier with の or in compound nouns. The contrast is with 書面(しょめん) (written) or 文書(ぶんしょ) (document). Not to be confused with the homophone 高等(こうとう) (high-level, advanced).

Related Words

Antonym: 書面(しょめん) (in writing)
general
Added 2026.2.18 23:02 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
11500/11892_koutou