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March 24, 2026
口头(口頭)kǒutóu(kou3tou2)
口头 (kǒutóu) refers to anything expressed in spoken form rather than written. It is commonly used in contexts such as oral examinations, verbal agreements, or discussions where speech is the primary medium of communication. The term emphasizes the transient and immediate nature of spoken language compared to the permanence of written text.
Strokes8Frequency#11991DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, verbal agreements often hold significant weight, reflecting a deep trust in interpersonal relationships, which contrasts with some Western cultures where written contracts are more common.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 口 (kǒu) resembling a mouth, which is used for speaking, and the character头 (tóu) meaning 'head,' as in 'the head speaks.' Together, they create a vivid image of verbal communication coming directly from the mouth.
Meanings of 口头
kǒutóu(kou3tou2)
1oral
2verbal
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 口头
口头Simplified
口頭Traditional
8Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#11991Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 口头
Podcast: 口头
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AI Study Notes for 口头
Quick Contrast
口头 (kǒutóu) vs 书面 (shūmiàn) — use 口头 for spoken forms, while 书面 refers specifically to written forms.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 口 (kǒu) resembling a mouth, which is used for speaking, and the character头 (tóu) meaning 'head,' as in 'the head speaks.' Together, they create a vivid image of verbal communication coming directly from the mouth.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 口头 with written forms; they represent different mediums of expression. It's often used in formal contexts, such as legal or academic settings, so ensure the context matches its usage. Common collocations include 口头报告 (oral report) and 口头协议 (verbal agreement).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 口头 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to communication and expression. Students should focus on using it in sentences that involve discussions or presentations to reinforce its meaning in practical contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, verbal agreements often hold significant weight, reflecting a deep trust in interpersonal relationships, which contrasts with some Western cultures where written contracts are more common.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 口头 with written forms; for example, saying '我写了一个口头报告' (I wrote an oral report) is incorrect. The correction would be to say '我做了一个口头报告' (I gave an oral report).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 口头
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Grammar Patterns of 口头
口头 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
起初看起来我会以____表决的方式获胜。
At first it looked like I was going to win by acclamation.
The lawyer suggested the client reach a verbal agreement to resolve the issue more quickly.
Cultural Notes for 口头
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, verbal agreements often hold significant weight, reflecting a deep trust in interpersonal relationships, which contrasts with some Western cultures where written contracts are more common.
Frequently Asked Questions about 口头
口头 (kǒutóu) refers to oral communication, while 书面 (shūmiàn) refers to written communication.
Yes, but it is more commonly found in formal discussions or settings, so context matters.
You can say '我需要一个口头报告' which means 'I need an oral report.'
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