Translation guide
Ways to express giving or receiving spoken directions, guidance, or teaching in Japanese, depending on formality and context.
To refer to spoken instructions, such as giving directions or explaining how to do something.
A standard, neutral phrase meaning 'verbal instructions' or 'oral directions'. Suitable for most contexts.
口頭での指示に従ってください。
Please follow the oral instructions.
To refer to teaching or instructing someone orally, often in an educational setting.
Means 'oral lesson' or 'class conducted verbally'. Common in educational contexts.
このコースは口頭での授業が中心です。
This course is mainly based on oral instruction.
To refer to giving a spoken command or order, often in a hierarchical or military context.
Specifically means 'oral command' or 'verbal order'. Used in formal or authoritative situations.
口頭命令で部隊が動いた。
The unit moved on oral command.
口頭 (こうとう) means 'oral' or 'verbal', emphasizing the spoken medium. 口述 (こうじゅつ) means 'oral statement' or 'dictation', often used in legal or formal recording contexts. For general 'oral instruction', 口頭 is more appropriate.
The English word 'oral' can be translated as 口頭 (こうとう) or 口述 (こうじゅつ), but in many casual contexts, Japanese speakers might simply use 言葉で (ことばで, 'in words') or 直接 (ちょくせつ, 'directly') instead of a formal compound. Overusing 口頭 can sound stiff.
Literally 'oral explanation'. Often used when someone explains something verbally rather than in writing.
口頭説明だけで十分ですか？
Is the oral explanation sufficient?
Used in formal or technical contexts, such as medical or legal settings, meaning 'oral guidance' or 'verbal instruction'.
医師の口頭指導に基づいて処置を行った。
The procedure was performed based on the doctor's oral instructions.
Can also mean 'oral coaching' or 'verbal guidance' in teaching, but less common than 口頭での授業.
先生の口頭指導で理解が深まった。
My understanding deepened through the teacher's oral instruction.
Can also be used for commands, but is more general. Suitable when the context is clear.
口頭での指示で作業を開始した。
We started the work based on oral instructions.