Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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.
Frequency#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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 警告
警告Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1374Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 警告
Podcast: 警告
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 警告 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 警告 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
There was a note of caution for the Treasury in the figures.
9
他们警告他下次他可能就要进监狱了。
tā mén jǐng gào tā xià cì tā kě néng jiù yào jìn jiān yù le。
They warned him that next time he'd find himself doing bird.
10
医生发出警告不要吃在那条河里捕的鱼。
yī shēng fā chū jǐng gào bù yào chī zài nà tiáo hé lǐ bǔ de yú。
Doctors issued a warning against eating any fish caught in the river.
Cultural Notes for 警告
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 警告
You might say, '我想警告你不要迟到' which means 'I want to warn you not to be late.'
While it is often serious, it can also be used in lighter contexts, such as warning friends about a minor mistake.
Yes, 警告 is frequently found in written warnings, such as legal notices or safety instructions.
