Meanings of 口头
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 口头
Podcast: 口头
Podcast: 口头
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 口头
口头 (kǒutóu) vs 书面 (shūmiàn) — use 口头 for spoken forms, while 书面 refers specifically to written forms.
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).
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.
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).
Pronunciation of 口头
Drill the tone of 口头 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say oral in Chinese
“oral” in Chinese is口头
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.
When to use 口头
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).
口头 or something close to it
口头 (kǒutóu) vs 书面 (shūmiàn) — use 口头 for spoken forms, while 书面 refers specifically to written forms.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 口头
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 口头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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.
Example Sentences for 口头 (4)
Frequently Asked Questions about 口头
口头 (kǒutóu) refers to oral communication, while 书面 (shūmiàn) refers to written communication.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 口头?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.