上诉

• Pinyin: shàng sù
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = 一 + 卜 (higher); 诉 = 讠+ 斥 (to tell, complain)

Meaning

To appeal (a court ruling); to lodge an appeal. The legal act of challenging a lower court's decision at a higher court.

Strictly a legal term. Used when a party in a court case seeks review by a higher court. Common in journalism, legal documents, and courtroom dramas.

Examples

1. 被告对一审判决不服，决定提起上诉。 Unhappy with the first-instance verdict, the defendant decided to file an appeal.
2. 律师建议当事人在规定期限内上诉。 The lawyer advised the client to appeal within the prescribed time limit.
3. 上诉法院驳回了他们的请求。 The appellate court rejected their request.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, judiciary

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 辩护律师表示将就此判决提出上诉。(The defence attorney stated they would appeal the verdict.)
• 该公司对罚款决定提起上诉，并最终胜诉。(The company appealed the fine and ultimately won.)

Don't Say

• 用上诉表达一般投诉 — use 投诉 or 申诉 for non-judicial complaints

Origin & History

上 (higher/upward) + 诉 (appeal/lodge a complaint) — to take a complaint upward

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal