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March 24, 2026
警告jǐnggào(jing3gao4)
警告 (jǐnggào) means 'to warn' or 'to admonish.' It is commonly used in contexts where a person or authority is alerting someone to potential danger or consequences of their actions. The term conveys a sense of urgency and importance, often implying that the warned party should take immediate action to avoid negative outcomes.
Strokes26Frequency#1374DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, warnings often come from authority figures, such as the government or employers, reflecting the value placed on social order and responsibility. For example, warning signs about public health or safety are prevalent in various aspects of daily life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a police officer (警) holding a loudspeaker, shouting a warning (告) to a crowd. The officer's serious expression and the urgency of the situation help you remember that 警告 means 'to warn.' The components '警' (to alert) and '告' (to tell) visually reinforce the concept of giving a warning.
Meanings of 警告
jǐnggào(jing3gao4)
1to warn
2to admonish
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 警告
警告Simplified
26Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1374Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 警告
Podcast: 警告
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AI Study Notes for 警告
Quick Contrast
警示 (jǐngshì) vs 警告 (jǐnggào): use 警示 when referring to a more general alert or indication, while 警告 implies a more serious or direct warning.
Usage Notes
警告 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a serious tone. Common collocations include 警告某人 (to warn someone) or 警告信 (warning letter). Be careful with the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 警告 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to communication and authority. Students should focus on its usage in both written and spoken contexts, particularly in formal warnings and advisories.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 警告 with 告诉 (to tell) due to their similar components. For example, saying '我告诉你' (I warn you) is incorrect; it should be '我警告你'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 警告
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警告 (jǐnggào) means 'to warn' or 'to admonish.' It is commonly used in contexts where a person or authority is alerting someone to potential danger or consequences of their actions. The term conveys a sense of urgency and importance, often implying that the warned party should take immediate action to avoid negative outcomes.
When to use 警告
警告 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a serious tone. Common collocations include 警告某人 (to warn someone) or 警告信 (warning letter). Be careful with the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning significantly.
警告 or something close to it
警示 (jǐngshì) vs 警告 (jǐnggào): use 警示 when referring to a more general alert or indication, while 警告 implies a more serious or direct warning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 警告 with 告诉 (to tell) due to their similar components. For example, saying '我告诉你' (I warn you) is incorrect; it should be '我警告你'.
Write 警告
警
告
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Grammar Patterns of 警告
警告 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
几乎是凭着一股疯狂的热情，马克斯____人们不要刻意追求晒成一身古铜色。
With almost evangelical fervour, Marks warns against deliberately seeking a tan.
