Translation and Meaning of: 口述 - koujyutsu

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 口述 (こうじゅつ). It may not be very common in daily life, but it appears in specific contexts and has an interesting meaning. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in practice, and some curiosities about it. If you want to understand Japanese better or just expand your vocabulary, this guide will help you.

The meaning and usage of 口述

口述 (こうじゅつ) is a Japanese word that means "oral statement" or "verbal ." It is composed of two kanji: 口 (mouth) and 述 (expose, relate). Together, they convey the idea of transmitting information by speaking, rather than writing. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as in courts, interviews, or situations where a testimony is required.

A practical example is when someone takes a 口述試験 (こうじゅつしけん), meaning an oral exam. Unlike written tests, this type of assessment requires the student to answer the questions verbally. Additionally, the word can appear in legal contexts, such as in 口述証言 (こうじゅつしょうげん), which means "oral testimony."

The origin and structure of 口述

The etymology of 口述 is quite straightforward. The kanji 口 represents "mouth" and appears in various words related to speech, such as 口語 (こうご, spoken language). On the other hand, 述 comes from the verb 述べる (のべる), which means "to expose" or "to declare." This combination creates a term that emphasizes the transmission of information through speech, without written intermediaries.

It is worth noting that, although 口述 is a recognized word, it is not as common in everyday life. Its use is more associated with academic, legal, or professional environments. This makes it a useful term for those studying advanced Japanese or needing to deal with formal contexts.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to 口述 is to associate the kanjis with their meaning. Since 口 is already a simple and well-known character, just link 述 to "report" or "expose." A useful technique is to create phrases like "口で述べる" (to speak with the mouth), reinforcing the idea of verbal communication.

Another interesting point is that although 口述 is a formal term, it is not commonly used in casual conversations. Its use is more restricted to specific situations, which can be an advantage for students who want to focus on technical or professional Japanese. If you are learning the language, it is worth noting this word for future situations.