gou3誥诰
Jyutpinggou3
Yalegou
Definition
To enjoin, inform, or admonish; an imperial decree or proclamation.
- to enjoin; to inform; to admonish
- literaryan imperial decree or proclamation
writtenpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term is formal and primarily appears in literary contexts or historical descriptions of imperial decrees. It carries a sense of authoritative instruction or solemn warning that is rarely used in casual daily speech. Using it in a normal conversation will make you sound like you are quoting a period drama or a classical text.
Examples
You must listen clearly to the elder's instructions.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with common verbs like 話 or 講, but 誥 implies a high level of formality or official status that makes it inappropriate for everyday communication.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
