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口头
kǒu tóu
oral
我们通过口头协议解决了这个问题。
We resolved the issue through an oral agreement.
formal
Relating to or given through spoken words rather than written or formal means.
口头通知通常不具备法律效力。
Oral notifications usually lack legal validity.
老师给了口头表扬。
The teacher gave oral praise.
Often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts to contrast with written or formal documentation.
general
Spoken rather than written; verbal.
这是口头传统，而不是书面记录。
This is an oral tradition rather than a written record.
Used to describe traditions, agreements, or instructions passed down verbally.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with '口头' as a verb
'口头' is not a verb in Chinese. Do not use it as 'to speak orally' in sentences. Instead, use phrases like '口头说' (to say orally) or '口头表达' (to express orally).
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
Use '口头' in formal contexts (e.g., legal, academic) to emphasize the lack of written proof. In casual speech, it may simply mean 'spoken' without legal implications.
Word Origin
Composed of 口 (kǒu, 'mouth') and 头 (tóu, 'head' or 'top'). Originally implied 'from the mouth' or 'spoken directly', evolving to mean 'oral' or 'verbal' in modern usage.
Usage Notes
1. Often used in contrast to 书面 (written) in legal or formal contexts. 2. Can imply informality or lack of official documentation. 3. In some contexts, it may carry a nuance of 'unofficial' or 'temporary' agreement.
Word Breakdown
口
mouth
root头
head/top
root汉英词典