Definitions

jiè (verb) to warn; to admonish
jiè (noun) commandment; precept

Etymology

Words  of warning  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "诫", originating from its traditional form "誡", is etymologically composed of the semantic element "言" representing speech and the component "戒" which conveys the idea of guarding or warning, thus structurally defining its core meaning as a verbal admonition or caution. This combination has consistently informed its usage as a term for issuing warnings or giving preventive advice, with its application expanding over time from personal exhortations to encompass formal rules and moral injunctions. The character's conceptual foundation remains tied to the act of cautioning through language, and its structural evolution has preserved this essential meaning while adapting to broader contexts of guidance and instruction.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

妈妈告我别撒谎。

Māma gàojiè wǒ bié sāhuǎng.

Mom warned me not to lie.

老师劝学生不要迟到。

Lǎoshī quànjiè xuéshēng bùyào chídào.

The teacher advised the students not to be late.

他诚恳地告我要诚实。

Tā chéngkěn de gàojiè wǒ yào chéngshí.

He sincerely admonished me to be honest.

遵守命是道德的基础。

Zūnshǒu jièmìng shì dàodé de jīchǔ.

Obeying commandments is the foundation of morality.

政府告市民远离非法活动。

Zhèngfǔ gàojiè shìmín yuǎnlí fēifǎ huódòng.

The government warned citizens to stay away from illegal activities.

尽管有告,他还是冒险前行。

Jǐnguǎn yǒu gàojiè, tā háishì màoxiǎn qiánxíng.

Despite the warning, he still proceeded冒险前行.

历史教训告我们和平的可贵。

Lìshǐ jiàoxùn gàojiè wǒmen hépíng de kěguì.

Historical lessons warn us of the preciousness of peace.

我们必须勉后代珍惜资源,保护环境。

Wǒmen bìxū jièmiǎn hòudài zhēnxī zīyuán, bǎohù huánjìng.

We must admonish future generations to cherish resources and protect the environment.