告

• Pinyin: gào
• Hanzi breakdown: 告 = 牛 + 口 (ox + mouth — originally depicted an ox being offered to spirits with an oral declaration)

Meaning

To tell; to inform; to report; to accuse or sue; a formal announcement or proclamation.

A versatile character used in compound words: 告知 (to inform), 告诫 (to admonish), 告状 (to file a complaint), 告辞 (to take one's leave), 告示 (public notice). In classical Chinese, 告 often appears in formal proclamations. In legal contexts, it means to file a lawsuit.

Examples

1. 经过漫长的调查程序，检察院正式向法院提起诉讼，就此案对涉案企业提出指控。 After a lengthy investigation, the prosecutor’s office formally filed a lawsuit with the court, bringing charges against the companies involved.
2. 古代皇帝颁布诏书，告天下臣民，新法自即日起正式施行，各地官府务必遵照执行。 In ancient times, the emperor would issue an edict to announce to the realm that the new law would take effect immediately, and local authorities were required to implement it.
3. 她在临别之际郑重告知同事，自己虽然离职，但随时愿意远程协助处理交接事宜。 As she was leaving, she solemnly informed her colleagues that although she was resigning, she would be available to help remotely with the handover at any time.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, classical, formal communication, announcements

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 此案原告已正式向仲裁委员会提交申请，请求就合同纠纷作出具有法律约束力的裁决。(The plaintiff in this case has formally submitted an application to the arbitration committee, requesting a legally binding ruling on the contractual dispute.)
• 公告栏上张贴的告示清楚说明了停电的原因和预计恢复供电的时间，居民可放心等待。(The notice posted on the bulletin board clearly explains the reason for the power outage and the estimated restoration time — residents can wait with peace of mind.)

Don't Say

• 我告你一件事 — in modern spoken Chinese, use 告诉你 or 跟你说 to introduce information informally

Origin & History

Oracle bone script: a person speaking before a deity — to announce, to inform

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal