诉 (sù) - to tell & to inform

诉Tone 4

sù ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 讠

树檀

诉 · sù

to tell;

to inform;

to complain;

to accuse;

to sue;

to appeal

to tellto informto complain

Usage highlights

to tellto complainto sueto appealto confidelawsuit

Synonyms

  • 告— to tell; to inform
  • 说— to speak; to say
  • 控— to accuse; to charge

Antonyms

  • 听— to listen
  • 忍— to endure; to bear

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He told me the truth (告诉我真相).
  • She complained about the poor service (投诉服务差).
  • They sued the company (起诉公司).
  • He appealed to a higher court (上诉).

Collocations

  • to tell(告诉)
  • to complain(投诉)
  • to sue(起诉)
  • to appeal(上诉)
  • to confide(倾诉)
  • lawsuit(诉讼)

Idioms

  • To pour out one's grievances(如泣如诉)
  • To complain without cease(诉说不休)
  • To lodge a complaint(投诉无门)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the speech radical (讠) with 斥 (to blame), indicating verbal accusation or complaint.
  • In legal contexts, 诉 is fundamental to terms like 诉讼 (lawsuit) and 起诉 (to prosecute).
  • It reflects the cultural importance of verbal expression in seeking justice or relief.

FAQ