Definitions

(verb) to complain; to sue
(verb) to tell; to narrate

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "诉" originates from the traditional form "訴", which combines the speech radical 言 with the component 斥, implying verbal accusation or rejection. Its early meanings focused on complaining or bringing charges, often within a formal or legal context. Over time, the character's semantic range widened to include the general act of telling or informing, while retaining specific legal senses such as to sue or prosecute. The simplified form "诉" modifies the structure by substituting the right element with 斤, though this alteration does not shift the core associations with speech and legal complaint.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

妈妈告我答案。

Māma gàosu wǒ dá'àn.

Mother told me the answer.

他向老师苦。

Tā xiàng lǎoshī sùkǔ.

He complained to the teacher.

说自己的经历。

Tā sùshuō zìjǐ de jīnglì.

She recounted her experiences.

公司起了竞争对手。

Gōngsī qǐsùle jìngzhēng duìshǒu.

The company sued the competitor.

他打算申这个判决。

Tā dǎsuàn shēnsù zhège pànjué.

He plans to appeal the verdict.

消费者向监管部门投了商家。

Xiāofèizhě xiàng jiānguǎn bùmén tóusùle shāngjiā.

Consumers complained to the regulatory department about the merchant.

尽管他多次说自己的困难,但没有人帮助他。

Jǐnguǎn tā duōcì sùshuō zìjǐ de kùnnán, dàn méiyǒu rén bāngzhù tā.

Although he repeatedly recounted his difficulties, no one helped him.

原告在法庭上详细陈述了讼请求。

Yuángào zài fǎtíng shàng xiángxì chénshùle sùsòng qǐngqiú.

The plaintiff detailed the litigation claims in court.