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B2 verb 9 min read

警告

Q: Can I say '我警告你不要吃那个' to a friend?

Yes, but it sounds like you are being very serious or protective. If you say it jokingly, add '哦' at the end.

Q: Is '警告' used in sports?

Yes, when a referee warns a player (like a yellow card), they say '警告'.

Q: Does 警告 always mean a person is in trouble?

Not always. It can be a safety warning (like 'Deep Water') which is meant to keep you *out* of trouble.

Q: How do I write the character 警?

It has 19 strokes. Top part is 敬 (respect), bottom part is 言 (speech). Think of it as 'respectful speech' used to keep people safe.

Q: Can 警告 be used as an adjective?

Yes, as in '警告标志' (warning sign) or '警告性的话' (warning words).

Q: What verb goes with 警告?

Common verbs include 发出 (issue), 给予 (give), 收到 (receive), and 受到 (suffer/receive).

Q: Is 警告 formal?

It can be both. It's formal in law/news but used informally in direct confrontations.

jǐnggào

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 警告 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 警告 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '警告' (jǐnggào) in complex sentences. You should simply recognize it as a word that means 'Warning' or 'Stop/Be Careful' when you see it on signs. Think of it like a red light or a 'No' sign. If you see '警告' in a park or on a building, it means there is something you should not do or a place you should not go. It is a very strong word, so even at this level, you can understand that it is more serious than a friendly suggestion. You might hear a teacher say it if a student is doing something dangerous. Just remember: 警告 = Big Warning!

At the A2 level, you can start to use '警告' to talk about simple situations. For example, you can say '他警告我' (He warned me) or '这句警告很重要' (This warning is important). You might see it on labels for food (allergy warnings) or on electronic devices (low battery). You should understand that it is a combination of 'being alert' (警) and 'telling' (告). You can use it when you want to tell someone about a clear danger, like '我警告你，那个水很深' (I warn you, that water is very deep). It’s a good word to know for basic safety and following rules in a Chinese-speaking environment.

By B1, you should be comfortable using '警告' as both a verb and a noun in everyday contexts. You can describe situations where someone was warned about their behavior, such as '老师警告过他很多次' (The teacher has warned him many times). You should also be able to recognize it in news headlines or weather reports, such as '暴雨警告' (Rainstorm warning). At this level, you should start distinguishing '警告' from '提醒' (remind). '提醒' is for small things like a meeting time, while '警告' is for serious things with consequences. You can also use it in the structure '警告某人不要...' (warn someone not to...).

At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you should understand the formal and legal nuances of '警告'. It's not just a verbal warning; it can be an official administrative penalty (行政处分). You should be able to use it in professional settings, like '公司发出了正式警告' (The company issued a formal warning). You should also be able to use more complex sentence patterns, such as '由于...，他收到了警告' (Due to..., he received a warning). You should understand its use in media and literature to create a sense of tension or authority. You can also discuss the difference between '警告' and more formal terms like '告诫' or '警示'.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use '警告' in abstract and metaphorical ways. For example, you might discuss how economic indicators are '警告' (warning) of a coming recession, or how a historical event serves as a '警告' to future generations. You should be fluent in using it within complex grammatical structures, including passive voice and formal written Chinese. You should also understand the cultural implications of giving a '警告' in various social hierarchies and how to adjust your tone to be firm but appropriate. You will encounter this word in high-level academic texts, legal documents, and political speeches.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '警告' and all its synonyms. You can use it with precision in diplomatic, legal, or highly technical contexts. You understand the subtle differences between a '口头警告' (verbal warning), '书面警告' (written warning), and '严重警告' (serious warning) in various institutional frameworks. You can use the word to analyze complex social phenomena or to craft persuasive arguments where the '警告' serves as a rhetorical device. You are also aware of the historical etymology of the characters and how the meaning has evolved in modern legal and digital contexts, such as '内容警告' (Content Warnings) in social media.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

警告 in 30 Seconds

警告 (jǐnggào) means 'to warn' or 'a warning,' combining 'alert' (警) and 'tell' (告).
It is used for physical dangers, legal reprimands, and serious interpersonal cautions.
Grammatically, it serves as both a verb (to warn) and a noun (a warning).
It is stronger than 提醒 (tíxǐng - remind) and often implies negative consequences if ignored.

The Chinese term 警告 (jǐnggào) is a powerful and versatile word that translates primarily to 'warn' or 'caution' in English. It serves as both a verb and a noun, making it an essential component of mid-to-high level Chinese communication (CEFR B2). At its core, the word is composed of two significant characters: 警 (jǐng), which means to be alert, watchful, or to police, and 告 (gào), which means to tell, inform, or report. Together, they create a semantic synergy that describes the act of informing someone of a potential danger or the consequences of their actions to ensure they remain alert and cautious.

The Legal Context: In legal and administrative settings, 警告 refers to an official reprimand. It is often the lightest form of administrative punishment in Chinese law. For instance, a police officer might issue a 警告 to a driver for a minor traffic violation rather than a fine. In a corporate environment, an employee might receive a formal 警告 for repeated tardiness.
The Safety Context: In terms of public safety, 警告 is used on signage and in announcements to prevent accidents. You will see it on signs near high-voltage electricity, deep water, or construction sites. Here, it functions as a preventative measure to protect the public from physical harm.
The Interpersonal Context: In daily conversation, it can range from a friendly 'heads up' to a stern ultimatum. A parent might 警告 a child not to touch a hot stove, or a friend might 警告 another about a common scam circulating in the neighborhood. The tone varies significantly based on the relationship and the urgency of the situation.

医生警告他，如果再不戒烟，身体会出大问题。(The doctor warned him that if he doesn't quit smoking, his health will have major problems.)

Understanding the weight of 警告 is crucial. Unlike '提醒' (tíxǐng - to remind), which is often gentle and helpful, 警告 carries a sense of authority or impending negative consequences. If someone uses 警告 with you, they are likely serious about the stakes involved. It implies that a boundary has been reached or a danger is imminent. For learners, mastering this word means knowing when to use it to convey urgency without sounding overly aggressive when a simpler 'remind' would suffice.

气象台发布了台风蓝色警告。(The meteorological station issued a blue typhoon warning.)

Using 警告 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it typically follows the structure Subject + 警告 + Object + (不要/必须) + Action. This structure allows the speaker to specify who is being warned and what they should or should not do. For example, '我警告你不要乱说话' (I warn you not to talk nonsense) demonstrates a direct confrontation where the speaker exerts authority or intense concern.

As a Direct Verb: When used directly, the verb 警告 often takes a person as its direct object. It is frequently followed by a clause explaining the reason or the required action.
Example: 老师警告学生们考试不要作弊。(The teacher warned the students not to cheat on the exam.)
As a Noun with '发出' or '给予': As a noun, 警告 is often paired with verbs like 发出 (fāchū - to issue) or 给予 (jǐyǔ - to give). This is common in formal reports or news.
Example: 联合国向该国发出了最后警告。(The UN issued a final warning to that country.)
Passive Usage with '被': You can use 警告 in passive sentences to describe someone receiving a warning.
Example: 他因为迟到被公司警告了。(He was warned by the company for being late.)

这只是一个口头警告，下次就要罚款了。(This is just a verbal warning; next time there will be a fine.)

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the intensity. 警告 is much stronger than 建议 (jiànyì - suggest) or 提议 (tíyì - propose). It implies a consequence. If you are warning someone about a natural disaster, you might use '预警' (yùjǐng) for 'early warning,' but the sign on the fence will still say '警告'. In academic or professional writing, 警告 is used to highlight risks in data or potential failures in a strategy. For instance, '数据显示，通货膨胀正在警告我们经济过热' (The data shows that inflation is warning us of an overheating economy).

由于违反了比赛规则，他受到了裁判的警告。(Due to violating the rules of the game, he received a warning from the referee.)

In the real world, 警告 is ubiquitous, appearing in places ranging from high-stakes international diplomacy to the back of a shampoo bottle. If you live in a Chinese-speaking environment, you will hear it in news broadcasts, see it in legal documents, and find it on public safety signs. Its presence is a signal to pay attention and change behavior to avoid negative outcomes.

In the News and Media: News anchors often use 警告 when reporting on international relations or environmental crises. You might hear: '专家警告全球变暖将导致海平面上升' (Experts warn that global warming will lead to rising sea levels). It adds a layer of authority and urgency to the report.
In Public Spaces: Walk through any Chinese city, and you'll see signs starting with '警告'. Common ones include '警告：严禁烟火' (Warning: No smoking or fire) or '警告：前方施工' (Warning: Construction ahead). These are standardized and meant to be understood instantly by passersby.
In Sports and Games: In a soccer match, when a referee shows a yellow card, the commentator might say '裁判给了他一个警告' (The referee gave him a warning). In online gaming, players might receive a 警告 for toxic behavior or using cheats before their account is banned.

手机屏幕弹出一条警告：电池电量极低。(A warning popped up on the phone screen: Battery critically low.)

Beyond these formal settings, 警告 is a staple in movies and TV dramas, particularly in crime thrillers or legal dramas. A detective might 警告 a suspect: '我警告你，你有权保持沉默' (I warn you, you have the right to remain silent). In family dramas, a parent might use it as a final plea to a rebellious child. The word's frequency in media helps learners understand its emotional range—from a cold, clinical instruction to a desperate, heated plea.

由于多次违规，他的账户收到了系统警告。(Due to multiple violations, his account received a system warning.)

While 警告 is relatively straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its intensity, its object placement, and confusing it with similar but softer words. One of the most common errors is using 警告 when the situation only calls for a simple reminder or a suggestion, which can make the speaker sound unintentionally aggressive or confrontational.

Overuse in Casual Situations: Mistake: Using '警告' to remind a friend to bring an umbrella.
Correct: Use '提醒' (tíxǐng). Saying '我警告你带伞' sounds like you are threatening them with a punishment if they forget the umbrella, which is socially awkward.
Incorrect Object Placement: Mistake: '警告' + 'Thing' instead of 'Person'.
Correct: Usually, you warn a *person* about a *thing*. While you can say '警告危险' (warn of danger) in signs, in speech, it's better to say '警告某人有危险' (warn someone there is danger).
Confusing with '告诫' (gàojiè): Mistake: Using '警告' for moral advice.
Correct: '告诫' is often used for moral or wise warnings from an elder or mentor. 警告 is more for rules, laws, and physical dangers.

错误：他警告我明天会下雨。(He warned me it would rain tomorrow - *too strong* unless a flood is coming).
正确：他提醒我明天会下雨。(He reminded me it would rain tomorrow.)

Another subtle mistake is forgetting that 警告 can be a formal administrative punishment. In a workplace context, if you say '我被警告了', it doesn't just mean someone told you to be careful; it might mean you have a formal record of misconduct. Be careful with this word in professional settings! Also, ensure you don't confuse it with '报警' (bàojǐng - to call the police), even though they share the same first character '警'.

他受到了公司的严厉警告，因为他泄露了商业机密。(He received a severe warning from the company because he leaked trade secrets.)

In Chinese, there are several words related to warning, each with its own nuances of formality, relationship, and severity. Choosing the right one is key to sounding like a native speaker. While 警告 is the most general and widely used, understanding its alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and precision.

警告 (jǐnggào) vs. 提醒 (tíxǐng): 警告: Strong, implies danger or consequences. Used for rules and hazards.
提醒: Gentle, a reminder. Used for appointments, tasks, or small tips.
Example: 警告不要入内 (Warning: Keep out) vs. 提醒带钥匙 (Remind to bring keys).
警告 (jǐnggào) vs. 告诫 (gàojiè): 警告: Often situational or legal.
告诫: Often moral or educational. It carries a sense of 'exhortation' or 'preaching'.
Example: 警察警告小偷 (The police warned the thief) vs. 父亲告诫儿子要诚实 (The father exhorted his son to be honest).
警告 (jǐnggào) vs. 警示 (jǐngshì): 警告: The act of warning someone.
警示: The warning as an example or a sign to others.
Example: 这次事故是对大家的警示 (This accident is a warning/lesson to everyone).

虽然他只是提醒我，但我把它当成了严肃的警告。(Although he only reminded me, I took it as a serious warning.)

Other alternatives include 提防 (dīfáng), which means to be on guard against something specific (like a pickpocket), and 戒备 (jièbèi), which refers to being in a state of alert or standby. For very formal early warnings, such as for weather or economic shifts, 预警 (yùjǐng) is the standard term. Knowing these differences allows you to navigate social and professional situations with much greater finesse.

我们要提防那些不怀好意的人。(We must be on guard against those with ill intentions.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, the '警' character was used to describe the guards who stayed awake while the emperor slept. Today, it's the same '警' used for 'Police' (警察).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈwɔːnɪŋ/ (Warning)

US /ˈwɔːrnɪŋ/

In Chinese 'jǐnggào', both syllables are important, but the third tone on 'jǐng' requires a dip and rise.

Rhymes With

静 (jìng) 镜 (jìng) 境 (jìng) 道 (dào) 报 (bào) 冒 (mào) 校 (xiào) 妙 (miào)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jǐng' as 'jīng' (first tone), which sounds like 'crystal'.
Pronouncing 'gào' as 'gǎo' (third tone), which sounds like 'to do'.
Failing to dip low enough on the third tone of 'jǐng'.
Mixing up 'jǐng' with 'jìn' (near).
Confusing 'gào' with 'guò' (pass).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are common but '警' is slightly complex to write.

Writing 4/5

警 (jǐng) has many strokes (19 strokes) and requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively easy for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clear, distinct syllables that are easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

告诉警察说话不要危险

Learn Next

警惕告诫处罚遵守预防

Advanced

震慑行政处分引以为戒通牒申诫

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

我警告过他了。(I have warned him.)

Passive Voice with 被

他被老板警告了。(He was warned by the boss.)

Double Objects

他给了我一个警告。(He gave me a warning.)

Conditional Sentences

如果你不听警告，后果自负。(If you don't listen to the warning, you bear the consequences.)

Adverbial Modifiers

Examples by Level

警告：不要入内。

Warning: Do not enter.

Simple imperative with 警告.

他警告我。

He warned me.

Subject + Verb + Object.

这是一个警告。

This is a warning.

Using 警告 as a noun.

警告：水深！

Warning: Deep water!

Noun + short description.

我不听警告。

I don't listen to warnings.

Negative sentence with 警告.

看那个警告。

Look at that warning.

Verb + Object.

警告：火！

Warning: Fire!

Single word warning.

他给我一个警告。

He gave me a warning.

Give + Object + Noun.

妈妈警告我不要玩火。

Mom warned me not to play with fire.

警告 + Person + 不要 + Verb.

医生警告他要多休息。

The doctor warned him to rest more.

警告 + Person + 要 + Verb.

路边有一个警告牌。

There is a warning sign by the road.

警告 as an adjective modifying 牌 (sign).

我警告你，不要迟到。

I warn you, don't be late.

Direct address warning.

这个警告很有用。

This warning is very useful.

Subject + Adjective.

警察警告他不要超速。

The police warned him not to speed.

Standard warning structure.

天气预报发出了警告。

The weather forecast issued a warning.

Issue (发出) + Warning.

如果你不听警告，会受伤的。

If you don't listen to the warning, you will get hurt.

Conditional sentence.

老师警告那些作弊的学生。

The teacher warned those students who cheated.

Verb + specific object.

由于多次迟到，他收到了口头警告。

Due to being late multiple times, he received a verbal warning.

Receive (收到) + modifier + 警告.

这个事故是对我们的警告。

This accident is a warning to us.

Noun as a 'lesson' or 'example'.

我必须警告你，这项任务很危险。

I must warn you, this task is dangerous.

Modal verb + 警告.

政府警告市民不要浪费水。

The government warned citizens not to waste water.

Official warning structure.

他在警告信上签了名。

He signed the warning letter.

警告 modifying 信 (letter).

你为什么无视我的警告？

Why did you ignore my warning?

Ignore (无视) + 警告.

这是一个严厉的警告。

This is a stern warning.

Adjective + 警告.

裁判向违规球员出示了警告。

The referee issued a warning to the player who fouled.

Formal verb 出示 (to show/issue).

他的行为已经触及了法律的警告线。

His behavior has already touched the warning line of the law.

Metaphorical use of 'warning line'.

专家警告说，通货膨胀可能会加剧。

Experts warned that inflation might intensify.

警告说 (warned that...).

公司对他给予了行政警告处分。

The company gave him an administrative warning penalty.

Formal legal/corporate phrase.

这个标志起到了警告的作用。

This sign serves as a warning.

Serve the role of (起到...的作用).

我再次警告你，不要再犯同样的错误。

I warn you again, don't make the same mistake again.

Use of 再次 (again) for emphasis.

他无视了医生的多次警告。

He ignored the doctor's multiple warnings.

Verb + multiple modifiers.

这份报告发出了环境恶化的警告。

This report issued a warning about environmental degradation.

Abstract warning in writing.

历史的教训警告我们要珍惜和平。

The lessons of history warn us to cherish peace.

Abstract subject (lessons of history).

这种极端的言论引起了社会的广泛警告。

Such extreme remarks have triggered widespread warnings from society.

Trigger (引起) + abstract warning.

他虽然受到了警告，但依然我行我素。

Although he received a warning, he still went his own way.

Concessive clause (虽然...但...).

外交部对该国的挑衅行为提出了严正警告。

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a solemn warning against the country's provocative actions.

Diplomatic language (严正警告).

这种现象是对传统模式的一种警告。

This phenomenon is a kind of warning to traditional models.

Metaphorical comparison.

法律的威严在于它不仅是保护，也是警告。

The majesty of the law lies in that it is not only protection, but also a warning.

Philosophical usage.

他被处以留用察看，并记大过警告一次。

He was placed on probation and given a major demerit warning.

Highly formal administrative terminology.

这种药物的副作用警告必须印在包装上。

The warning for side effects of this medicine must be printed on the packaging.

Specific technical context.

此番言论无异于向竞争对手发出的最后通牒式警告。

These remarks are equivalent to an ultimatum-style warning to competitors.

Complex comparison (无异于).

他在文学作品中通过隐喻向世人发出了文明毁灭的警告。

In his literary works, he issued a warning of civilizational destruction to the world through metaphors.

Literary and abstract analysis.

该法律条款旨在对潜在的犯罪分子起到震慑和警告作用。

This legal provision aims to deter and warn potential criminals.

Formal legal purpose (旨在...).

尽管有诸多预警，但这场金融危机依然如期而至，这本身就是一种讽刺性的警告。

Despite many early warnings, the financial crisis still arrived as expected, which in itself is an ironic warning.

Sophisticated narrative structure.

他那充满警告意味的眼神让我立刻闭了嘴。

His warning look made me shut up immediately.

Describing non-verbal communication.

在全球化的今天，一个国家的动荡往往是给全世界的警告。

In today's globalized world, the turmoil of one country is often a warning to the whole world.

Global political context.

他将这份警告视为对自己职业生涯的莫大侮辱。

He viewed this warning as a great insult to his career.

Subjective interpretation of a warning.

科学界发出的气候警告愈发迫切，不容忽视。

The climate warnings issued by the scientific community are becoming increasingly urgent and cannot be ignored.

High-level topical discussion.

Common Collocations

发出警告

严厉警告

口头警告

书面警告

最后警告

无视警告

警告标志

安全警告

黄色警告

受到警告

Common Phrases

我警告你

— A direct, often angry way to tell someone to stop.

我警告你，离我远点！

内容警告

— Used online to warn about sensitive content (CW).

内容警告：内含暴力描述。

剧透警告

— Used to warn about story spoilers.

剧透警告！还没看电影的人别点开。

黄色警告

— In sports, like a yellow card; also weather alerts.

他因为犯规得到了一个黄色警告。

红色警告

— The highest level of warning/danger.

现在是火灾红色警告期间。

警告处分

— A formal disciplinary action in work or school.

他被学校处以警告处分。

不听警告

— Refusing to follow a warning.

他不听警告，结果摔倒了。

预先警告

— A warning given in advance.

我们需要一些预先警告。

法律警告

— A warning based on legal statutes.

这是正式的法律警告。

重复警告

— Warning someone multiple times.

经过重复警告，他终于停下来了。

Often Confused With

警告 vs 报警

报警 means to call the police (verb), while 警告 is to warn (verb/noun).

警告 vs 提醒

提醒 is a gentle reminder; 警告 is a serious warning with consequences.

警告 vs 报告

报告 is to report or a report; 警告 is specifically a warning.

Idioms & Expressions

"警钟长鸣"

— Literally 'the alarm bell rings constantly'; meaning to stay vigilant.

安全生产要警钟长鸣。

Formal

"以此为诫"

— To take this as a warning or lesson for the future.

希望你以此为诫，不要再犯。

Formal

"杀鸡儆猴"

— To punish one person as a warning to others.

老板开除他是为了杀鸡儆猴。

Informal/Idiomatic

"防患于未然"

— To take precautions before trouble happens.

我们要防患于未然，多做警告。

Literary

"惩前毖后"

— Learn from past mistakes to avoid future ones.

惩前毖后，治病救人。

Formal

"居安思危"

— Be prepared for danger while in times of safety.

我们要居安思危，时刻注意警告。

Literary

"前车之鉴"

— A lesson learned from someone else's failure.

他的失败是我们的前车之鉴。

Formal

"引以为戒"

— To take something as a warning.

这件事值得我们引以为戒。

Formal

"不教而诛"

— To punish someone without having warned them first.

不教而诛是不公平的。

Literary

"危言耸听"

— To say frightening things just to alarm people.

他那不是警告，是危言耸听。

Neutral

Easily Confused

警告 vs 警示

Both involve warnings.

警示 is more about the sign or the example that warns others (warning as a lesson). 警告 is the direct act or formal penalty.

这个事故是个警示。

警告 vs 告诫

Both mean to warn/exhort.

告诫 is usually from a higher-up or elder giving moral advice. 警告 is more about rules and immediate danger.

老师告诫我们要努力。

警告 vs 叮嘱

Both involve telling someone to do something.

叮嘱 is caring and repetitive (like a mother). 警告 is serious and stern.

妈妈叮嘱我穿衣服。

警告 vs 劝告

Both are ways of telling someone to change behavior.

劝告 is an advice/suggestion for someone's benefit. 警告 is a demand/threat of consequence.

我劝告你别去。

警告 vs 预警

Both mean warning.

预警 is specifically an 'early warning' system (weather, economy).

海啸预警系统。

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 警告 + Person + 不要 + Verb

妈妈警告我不要玩水。

Subject + 受到 + (Modifier) + 警告

他收到了严厉的警告。

由于 + Reason + Subject + 被警告

由于迟到，他被公司警告了。

发出 + Topic + 警告

气象台发出了台风警告。

Subject + 无视 + 警告 + Result

他无视警告，结果迷路了。

Subject + 旨在 + 警告 + Object

这个规则旨在警告那些不守规矩的人。

这无异于 + 警告

这番话无异于最后的警告。

以...为警告

我们应以此次失败为警告。

Word Family

Nouns

警告 (Warning)

警报 (Alarm)

警察 (Police)

警句 (Aphorism)

警钟 (Alarm bell)

Verbs

警告 (To warn)

警示 (To alert)

警惕 (To be vigilant)

告诫 (To exhort)

告发 (To report)

Adjectives

警觉的 (Alert)

警惕的 (Vigilant)

警告性的 (Warning-like)

危险 (Danger)

处罚 (Punishment)

规则 (Rule)

安全 (Safety)

通知 (Notice)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in news, law, safety, and discipline.

Common Mistakes

Using 警告 for 'remind'. → 提醒 (tíxǐng)
警告 is too strong for everyday reminders like 'remember to buy milk'.
Using 警告 with a thing as the direct object. → 警告某人 (Warn someone)
In speech, we usually warn people, not inanimate objects. Say '警告他有危险' rather than '警告危险'.
Confusing 警告 with 报警. → 报警 (bàojǐng)
报警 is to call the police; 警告 is to issue a warning.
Incorrect tone for 警. → jǐng (3rd tone)
Saying jīng (1st tone) makes it sound like 'crystal' or 'classic'.
Using 警告 in a purely positive context. → 建议 (jiànyì)
警告 always implies something negative or dangerous.

Tips

Context Matters

Always check if the situation is serious enough for '警告'. If it's just about forgetting keys, stick to '提醒'.

Passive Voice

Remember that '受到警告' is very common for describing someone who got in trouble at work or school.

Stroke Order

Practice the stroke order of '警' carefully; the '敬' part is tricky.

Face Saving

In a Chinese office, a 警告 is a serious but relatively private way to correct someone without firing them immediately.

Synonym Choice

Use '预警' for natural disasters and '警告' for human rules.

Tone

A flat tone on '警告' sounds like a robot; use the proper tones (3rd and 4th) to sound natural.

Softening

Add '我想' (I want to) before '警告你' to make it slightly less aggressive.

Key Syllable

The 'jǐng' sound is very common in safety words; when you hear it, look around for danger signs.

Signs

If you see a sign with red text starting with 警告, stop and read it carefully.

Police Connection

Associate '警' with '警察' (Police) to remember that it involves authority and rules.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Jingle' (jǐng) that 'Goes' (gào) off when there's danger. Jǐng-gào!

Visual Association

Imagine a bright yellow triangle with an exclamation mark (!) and a police officer (警察) pointing at it.

Word Web

警察警报警觉警告告别告诉告辞广告

Challenge

Try to find three different '警告' signs in your city or online and translate what they are warning against.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient characters. '警' (jǐng) originally referred to staying awake and alert (represented by the 'speech' 言 and 'respect/caution' 敬 components). '告' (gào) originally meant to report or announce (represented by a 'mouth' 口 and an 'ox' 牛, possibly referring to reporting a sacrifice).

Original meaning: To alert through an announcement.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '警告' with friends; it can sound like you are acting like a boss or a parent.

In English-speaking countries, 'warning' can be informal (heads up) or formal. In Chinese, '警告' leans more towards the formal/serious side.

The 'Yellow Card' (黄色警告) in FIFA World Cup matches. Weather alerts (气象警告) on smartphones. The 'Warning' signs on the Great Wall of China.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traffic/Driving

超速警告
违章警告
前方警告
路滑警告

Workplace

正式警告
表现警告
解雇警告
违规警告

Weather

台风警告
暴雨警告
高温警告
大风警告

Digital/Software

病毒警告
安全警告
错误警告
更新警告

Parenting

最后警告
严厉警告
口头警告
行为警告

Conversation Starters

"你曾经收到过正式的警告吗？ (Have you ever received a formal warning?)"

"你觉得这个警告牌放在这里合适吗？ (Do you think this warning sign is placed appropriately here?)"

"如果有人无视你的警告，你会怎么办？ (What would you do if someone ignored your warning?)"

"在你的国家，什么样的行为会得到警告？ (In your country, what kind of behavior gets a warning?)"

"你认为警告比罚款更有效吗？ (Do you think a warning is more effective than a fine?)"

Journal Prompts

写一次你无视警告并后悔的经历。 (Write about a time you ignored a warning and regretted it.)

描述一个你见过的最重要的警告标志。 (Describe the most important warning sign you have ever seen.)

如果你是一个老板，你会如何给员工写一封警告信？ (If you were a boss, how would you write a warning letter to an employee?)

讨论警告在社会管理中的作用。 (Discuss the role of warnings in social management.)

写一段对话，其中一个人在警告另一个人关于未来的危险。 (Write a dialogue where one person is warning another about a future danger.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. It is too strong. Use 提醒 (tíxǐng) for friendly reminders. 警告 implies that something bad will happen if the advice isn't followed.

Yes, it typically appears in HSK 4 or HSK 5 (B2 level), appearing in reading and listening sections related to social rules or safety.

In weather warnings, it usually goes Blue < Yellow < Orange < Red. A '红色警告' (Red Warning) is the most severe.

Yes, but it sounds like you are being very serious or protective. If you say it jokingly, add '哦' at the end.

Yes, when a referee warns a player (like a yellow card), they say '警告'.

Not always. It can be a safety warning (like 'Deep Water') which is meant to keep you *out* of trouble.

It has 19 strokes. Top part is 敬 (respect), bottom part is 言 (speech). Think of it as 'respectful speech' used to keep people safe.

Yes, as in '警告标志' (warning sign) or '警告性的话' (warning words).

Common verbs include 发出 (issue), 给予 (give), 收到 (receive), and 受到 (suffer/receive).

It can be both. It's formal in law/news but used informally in direct confrontations.