HSK 2 · INDIVIDUAL WORD LESSON
告诉
Word meaning
to tell; to inform; to let know
Character components
- ◎xxcharacterless component
- 口kǒumouth
- 讠yánspeech; language
- 斥chìto blame
Etymology · 词源
Source confidence · 资料可信度：Source-backed · 有资料依据“告”的历史构形可以这样理解：◎、口以图像或会意方式参与构形。这些部件的作用依据历史字形判断，不等同于今天看到的任意笔画组合。 “诉”的历史构形可以这样理解：讠主要提示意义范围；斥主要提示较早的读音。这些部件的作用依据历史字形判断，不等同于今天看到的任意笔画组合。 以上是各字的历史构形说明；“告诉”作为现代词语时，应结合完整词义学习，不能把单字意义机械相加。
Pictograph of a tongue extending from an open mouth. Graphically similar to 舌 (tongue). Simplified form of 訴. Phonosemantic compound. 言 represents the meaning and 斥 represents the sound. These notes explain the characters’ formation. Learn 告诉 as a complete modern word rather than mechanically adding isolated character meanings.
Learning note · 学习提示：形旁通常提示意义范围，声旁通常提示较早的读音；现代普通话读音或字义可能已经发生变化。 Semantic components often suggest a meaning range, while phonetic components often reflect an earlier pronunciation; modern Mandarin sound or meaning may have changed.
Example
告诉我
部件联想帮助记忆字形，不代替严格的汉字字源研究。基础整体字不会为了动画而强行拆解。Component associations support visual memory; they do not replace rigorous historical research. Basic whole characters are never forced into an artificial decomposition for animation.
KEEP LEARNING · 继续学习