告示

• Pinyin: gào shi
• Hanzi breakdown: 告 = 牛 + 口 (announce, inform); 示 = 二 + 小 (altar — to show, indicate, reveal)

Meaning

A public notice; an official announcement posted for general information; a proclamation displayed in a public place.

A formal public notice issued by authorities or organisations. Historically, 告示 were government proclamations posted in public spaces. In modern usage, it refers to notices posted on bulletin boards or walls. More formal and authoritative than 通知 in written public communication.

Examples

1. 物业在小区入口处张贴了告示，提醒居民近期将进行管道维修，请配合做好储水准备。 Property management posted a notice at the entrance of the complex, reminding residents that pipe repairs will be carried out soon and asking them to store water in advance.
2. 古代县令每逢颁布新政令，便会命衙役在城中各处张贴告示，以便全体居民周知。 In ancient times, whenever a county magistrate issued a new policy, yamen runners would be ordered to post public notices throughout the city so that all residents would know.
3. 施工围挡上的告示详细说明了工程范围、预计工期以及相关的交通绕行方案。 The notice on the construction fence подробно explained the scope of the project, the expected timeline, and the relevant traffic detour plan.

Usage Guide

Context: public administration, property management, historical, public notices

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 根据园区管理规定，各单位如需在公共区域张贴告示，须提前向管理处报备并获得审批。(According to the park management regulations, any unit wishing to post a notice in public areas must report to the management office in advance and obtain approval.)
• 古代官府发布告示时，往往在开头以特定格式列明官职与印信，以示权威与合法性。(When ancient government offices issued public notices, they typically listed official titles and seals in a prescribed format at the beginning to demonstrate authority and legitimacy.)

Don't Say

• 我给你一个告示 — 告示 is an official public notice; use 通知 or 留言 when informing an individual informally

Origin & History

告 (to inform/announce) + 示 (to show/indicate)

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal