吿Tone 4

gào ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 口

吿 · gào

To tell, inform, announce;

to report;

to sue, accuse;

to request.

To tell, inform, announceto reportto sue, accuse

Usage highlights

To informTo announceTo sueTo reportTo advertiseTo warn

Synonyms

诉— to tell, complain
报— to report
宣— to declare, announce

Antonyms

瞒— to conceal, hide
隐— to hide, conceal

Usage & contexts

Examples

He told (告) me the news.
The company announced (告) its quarterly results.
She sued (告) for damages.
I need to report (告) this to the police.

Collocations

To inform(告诉)
To announce(宣告)
To sue(控告)
To report(报告)
To advertise(广告)
To warn(警告)

Idioms

To inform in all seriousness(谆谆告诫)
No one is willing to file a lawsuit(告状无门)
To announce to the world(告示天下)

Cultural background

Originally depicted an ox with its horns, symbolizing a declaration or announcement, as oxen were used in sacrifices and ceremonies.
In legal contexts, it signifies bringing a case to court or making an accusation.

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