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.
口頭で説明する。
Explain verbally.
口頭試験は来週の月曜日に行われる。
The oral examination will be held next Monday.
書面ではなく口頭での約束だったので、証拠が残っていない。
Since it was a verbal promise rather than a written one, there is no evidence left.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 口頭試験 (oral examination)
- 口頭で伝える (convey orally)
- 口頭弁論 (oral argument, court hearing)
- 口頭注意 (verbal warning)
Almost always used as a modifier with の or in compound nouns. The contrast is with 書面 (written) or 文書 (document). Not to be confused with the homophone 高等 (high-level, advanced).