(こうとう)

こうとう
noun
oral, verbal
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)説明(せつめい)する。
Explain verbally.
口頭(こうとう)試験(しけん)来週(らいしゅう)月曜日(げつようび)(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)(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:

  • 口頭(こうとう)試験(しけん) (oral examination)
  • 口頭(こうとう)(つた)える (convey orally)
  • 口頭(こうとう)弁論(べんろん) (oral argument, court hearing)
  • 口頭(こうとう)注意(ちゅうい) (verbal warning)

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).