Inform, Tell, Confess

Interesting Fact

One particularly interesting use is 告訴 (kokuso), meaning to make a formal criminal complaint. In this context, 告 isn't simply “telling” someone something—it carries the idea of bringing something to the attention of an authority. There's also 告発 (kokuhatsu), meaning to report or expose wrongdoing. This gives 告 a strong connection with the idea of speaking up when something important needs to be brought to light. 🗣️⚖️