We present a theoretical study on the angular and frequency distributions of the acoustic and optic-phonon generation by hot electrons during the terahertz-driven transport in a GaAs-based quantum well. Based on the detailed solution of the nonlinear balance equations in the presence of an oscillating electric field of arbitrary strength, we find that, when the system is exposed to an intense terahertz radiation, emissions of acoustic and optic phonons are significantly enhanced, especially along the polarized direction of the electric field. ©1998 American Institute of Physics.