Understanding "告诫" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 告诫
• Pinyin: gàojiè
• Literal Meaning: “to tell” + “to admonish / warn”
• Primary Meaning: to warn or admonish someone earnestly; to give solemn advice or a serious caution

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 告诫 is used when someone in a position of authority, experience, or care gives a serious warning or piece of advice meant to prevent harm or wrongdoing. It is more formal and weighty than everyday words like 提醒 (to remind) or 告诉 (to tell). Speakers often use it for teachers warning students, parents cautioning children, doctors advising patients, or officials admonishing subordinates. The tone is earnest and corrective rather than merely informative, and it usually implies that the listener should take the advice seriously. It can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary in casual chat, so it fits speeches, writing, news, and serious conversation better than light small talk.
• Character Breakdown: 告 (gào) means “to tell, inform, or announce.” 诫 (jiè) means “to admonish, warn,” and also refers to a precept or warning. Together they form a verb that means “to tell someone a warning”—that is, to admonish or caution them in a deliberate, serious way.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 老师告诫学生不要考试作弊。
• Pinyin: Lǎoshī gàojiè xuéshēng bùyào kǎoshì zuòbì.

• English: The teacher admonished the students not to cheat on the exam.

• Chinese: 医生告诫他必须戒烟。

• Pinyin: Yīshēng gàojiè tā bìxū jièyān.

• English: The doctor warned him that he must quit smoking.

• Chinese: 父母告诫孩子外出时要注意安全。

• Pinyin: Fùmǔ gàojiè háizi wàichū shí yào zhùyì ānquán.
• English: The parents cautioned their child to be careful about safety when going out.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese, warnings are often graded by seriousness and relationship. 提醒 is a light reminder, 警告 is a stronger warning that can sound threatening or official, and 告诫 sits in between as earnest moral or practical advice from someone who cares or has authority. It appears often in education, family guidance, public health messages, and formal writing, where the speaker wants to correct behavior without sounding purely punitive. Learners should reserve it for situations that feel solemn rather than casual.

Conclusion

Remember 告诫 (gàojiè) as “to earnestly warn or admonish.” Use it when a teacher, parent, doctor, or other authority figure gives serious advice meant to keep someone from harm or wrongdoing—more formal than a simple reminder, and more caring or instructional than a harsh threat.

Sources and Further Reading

• MDBG Chinese Dictionary: 告诫
• Wiktionary: 告诫
• HSK vocabulary reference dataset

Dictionary links are provided for independent reference. Example sentences and learning notes on this page are educational explanations rather than dictionary quotations.