Keywords: gaojie, gàojiè, 告诫, Chinese word for warn, admonish, exhort, caution, Chinese formal warning, advice from authority, parent advice Chinese, Chinese verb
Summary: Learn the Chinese word 告诫 (gàojiè), a formal verb meaning to warn, admonish, or exhort. This term is more than a simple “warning”; it implies serious advice given by a person in a position of authority—like a parent, teacher, or judge—out of genuine concern and a desire to guide or correct behavior. This page explores its cultural significance, practical usage, and distinguishes it from similar words like 警告 (jǐnggào) and 提醒 (tíxǐng).
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): gàojiè
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 6
Concise Definition: To warn or admonish someone, typically with a sense of seriousness and from a position of authority.
In a Nutshell: Think of 告诫 (gàojiè) as the kind of serious, heartfelt talk a parent gives a child before they go off to college, or a judge gives a first-time offender. It's not a casual “be careful!” but a formal, earnest piece of advice meant to prevent mistakes and guide someone onto the right path. It carries the weight of wisdom, experience, and responsibility.
Character Breakdown
告 (gào): This character means “to tell,” “to inform,” or “to announce.” It depicts a mouth (口) under an ox head (牛), historically representing a formal announcement made after a sacrifice. For a learner, just remember it means “to tell” or “to report.”
诫 (jiè): This character means “to warn” or “to forbid.” It's composed of the “speech” radical 言 (yán) on the left and 戒 (jiè) on the right, which itself means “to guard against” or “to prohibit.” So, 诫 literally means “speech used to guard against” a certain action.
Together, 告诫 (gàojiè) combines “to tell” with “to warn/forbid,” creating a powerful verb that means to formally deliver a warning or piece of cautionary advice.
Cultural Context and Significance
告诫 (gàojiè) is deeply rooted in Chinese cultural values that emphasize social hierarchy, respect for elders, and collective well-being. The act of `告诫` is a function of one's social role. Parents, teachers, mentors, and officials have a perceived duty to `告诫` those under their care or jurisdiction. This is not seen as meddling, but as a fulfillment of responsibility.
Comparison to Western “Admonishing”: In Western cultures, “to admonish” can sometimes have a negative, preachy, or overly moralistic connotation. While `告诫` can be used in a scolding manner, its core feeling is often one of genuine care and guidance. It's a key part of the concept of 教养 (jiàoyǎng)—the act of raising and educating a child properly. A parent who fails to `告诫` a misbehaving child might be seen as neglectful. The warning comes from a place of love and a desire for the other person to succeed and avoid harm, reinforcing the collectivist idea that one person's actions reflect on their family, school, or community.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formality:告诫 (gàojiè) is a formal word. You would not use it in casual conversation with friends. It's found in written language, formal speeches, and specific social situations.
Common Contexts:
Parenting: A parent giving their child a serious talk about the dangers of smoking or the importance of studying.
Education: A principal or teacher addressing a student about their poor behavior or academic dishonesty.
Legal System: A judge 告诫 a defendant to stay out of trouble after handing down a lenient sentence.
Workplace: A senior manager or mentor might 告诫 a junior employee about unprofessional conduct.
Connotation: The connotation is serious and often corrective. It implies that the person being addressed has either done something wrong or is at risk of doing so. While the intention is positive (to help), the act itself is a form of criticism or serious guidance.
English: The father repeatedly admonished his son not to get addicted to online games.
Analysis: This is a classic parent-child scenario. “再三” (zàisān - repeatedly) emphasizes the seriousness and earnestness of the father's warning.
Example 2:
老师告诫我们，考试作弊的后果非常严重。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī gàojiè wǒmen, kǎoshì zuòbì de hòuguǒ fēicháng yánzhòng.
English: The teacher warned us that the consequences of cheating on the exam are very serious.
Analysis: Here, the teacher is acting from a position of authority, fulfilling their duty to instruct students on proper conduct.
Example 3:
法官告诫被告，如果再犯，他将面临更严厉的惩罚。
Pinyin: Fǎguān gàojiè bèigào, rúguǒ zài fàn, tā jiāng miànlín gèng yánlì de chéngfá.
English: The judge admonished the defendant that if he offended again, he would face a harsher punishment.
Analysis: This demonstrates the formal, official use of the term in a legal context. It's both a warning and a piece of official instruction.
Example 4:
我清楚地记得祖母的告诫：做人要诚实。
Pinyin: Wǒ qīngchǔ de jìdé zǔmǔ de gàojiè: zuòrén yào chéngshí.
English: I clearly remember my grandmother's exhortation: one must be an honest person.
Analysis: Here, `告诫` is used as a noun, referring to the wise words passed down from an elder, highlighting its connection to moral guidance.
Example 5:
历史告诫我们，和平来之不易。
Pinyin: Lìshǐ gàojiè wǒmen, hépíng láizhī bùyì.
English: History warns us that peace is not easily won.
Analysis: This is an abstract, literary use of the word. “History” is personified as a wise elder teaching a lesson to humanity.
Example 6:
他把朋友的告诫当成了耳边风。
Pinyin: Tā bǎ péngyǒu de gàojiè dàngchéng le ěrbiānfēng.
English: He treated his friend's serious advice as wind by his ear (i.e., he completely ignored it).
Analysis: “当成耳边风” (dàngchéng ěrbiānfēng) is a common idiom for ignoring advice. This shows what happens when a `告诫` is not heeded. Note: A friend would only use `告诫` if they were being extremely serious, almost acting like an older sibling.
English: This book warns the world that protecting the environment is a pressing matter that allows no delay.
Analysis: Similar to the “history” example, this is a formal, written usage where an inanimate object (a book) serves as the authority delivering the warning.
Example 10:
尽管医生一再告诫，他还是继续抽烟喝酒。
Pinyin: Jǐnguǎn yīshēng yīzài gàojiè, tā háishì jìxù chōuyān hējiǔ.
English: Despite the doctor's repeated admonitions, he still continued to smoke and drink.
Analysis: A doctor-patient relationship is another clear context for `告诫`. The doctor has the expertise and authority to give such serious health warnings.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Don't use `告诫` for a simple reminder. This is the most common mistake for learners. If you want to say, “Hey, remind me to call my mom,” you should use `提醒 (tíxǐng)`. Using `告诫` would sound incredibly dramatic and out of place, as if you were giving a moral lecture about the importance of filial piety.
Correct: 你能提醒我下午三点开会吗？(Nǐ néng tíxǐng wǒ xiàwǔ sān diǎn kāihuì ma? - Can you remind me we have a meeting at 3 PM?)
`告诫 (gàojiè)` vs. `警告 (jǐnggào)`: These are both “warnings,” but with a key difference.
告诫 (gàojiè) is based on wisdom and concern. The “punishment” is the natural consequence of ignoring good advice (e.g., getting sick if you ignore a doctor's `告诫`).
警告 (jǐnggào) implies a direct threat or penalty imposed by the warner. A sign that says “Warning: Trespassers will be prosecuted” is a `警告`. A judge saying, “I warn you, one more offense and you go to jail,” is also a `警告`. It's less about care and more about consequences.
Related Terms and Concepts
警告 (jǐnggào) - A direct warning that often implies a threat or penalty if ignored. It's more forceful and less caring than `告诫`.
提醒 (tíxǐng) - To remind. This is a neutral, gentle, and very common word for everyday reminders. It lacks the seriousness and authority of `告诫`.
劝告 (quàngào) - To advise, to urge. This focuses on persuading someone to do the right thing. It's less about authority and more about reasoning and appealing to the person.
教诲 (jiàohuì) - To teach and instruct. A very formal and respectful term for the guidance given by a revered teacher, parent, or elder. It's similar to `告诫` but with more emphasis on positive teaching.
训诫 (xùnjiè) - To reprimand, to lecture. This is stronger and more disciplinary than `告诫`. It often implies a scolding for wrongdoing that has already occurred.
忠告 (zhōnggào) - Sincere/loyal advice. This emphasizes the good intentions and loyalty of the person giving the advice, often a close friend.
嘱咐 (zhǔfù) - To enjoin, to ask, to exhort. Often used by someone who is leaving (e.g., a mother sending her child off to school), giving specific instructions out of care. It's less formal and more personal than `告诫`.
命令 (mìnglìng) - An order, a command. This is purely about authority and hierarchy, with no inherent sense of care or guidance.