告

• 拼音: gào
• 汉字拆解: 告 = 牛 + 口 (ox + mouth — originally depicted an ox being offered to spirits with an oral declaration)

含义

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.

例句

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。
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。
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。

用法指南

语境: legal, classical, formal communication, announcements

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

时代: Classical to present

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal