Meanings of 口头
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About 口头
Podcast: 口头
Podcast: 口头
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Component Characters
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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.
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 (2)
Cultural Notes for 口头
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.