告gào

告

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Simplified · Today

简体

Simplified Chinese

Modern simplified form (簡體). 告 (gào, "to tell") remains unchanged from traditional — the character combines a mouth (口) atop ox (牛), picturing someone speaking to an animal, the ancient scene that gave rise to meanings of announcement and reporting. It lives on in everyday words like 告诉 (to tell), 告别 (farewell), and警告 (warning).

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Shuowen

告 is composed of 牛 (ox) above and 口 (mouth) below, forming the image of an ox with a mouth beneath it as if the animal itself were speaking. The original meaning is to tell, announce, or report—depicting formal speech or declaration, as if an ox were voicing something of significance. This structure captures the ancient notion of making something known or proclaiming aloud.

Pinyin

gào· HSK 1

告gào

Character evolution

Shuowen

Pinyin