Usage and Meaning
The character '告' primarily means 'to tell', 'to inform', or 'to announce'. It is often used when someone reports information to another person or authority. It can also imply formally notifying or accusing someone, as in legal contexts.
Common Collocations
- 告诉 (gàosu): to tell, to inform someone directly.
- 告发 (gàofā): to report or accuse someone, often to authorities.
- 公告 (gōnggào): public announcement or notice.
Usage Notes
'告' is a formal verb and often appears in written or official contexts. When combined with '诉' as '告诉', it becomes a common everyday verb meaning 'to tell'. In legal or police contexts, '告发' is used to mean 'to report a crime'.
Avoid confusing '告' with '说' (shuō), which is more general for 'to speak' or 'to say'. '告' implies a directed communication, often with an official or serious tone.
Register and Tone
'告' carries a neutral to formal tone. It is suitable for both spoken and written Chinese but is more common in formal announcements, legal language, or official notifications.