verb HSK 5
to declare · to announce · to proclaim
Meaning
宣告 means to formally declare or announce something, typically in an official or public context. It carries a sense of authority and finality, often used for important announcements like verdicts, decisions, or the beginning/end of significant events.
Usage
宣告 is used in formal contexts such as legal proceedings, official ceremonies, or news broadcasts. It's more formal than 宣布 (xuān bù) and often implies a definitive or consequential announcement. Common in phrases like 宣告破产 (declare bankruptcy) or 宣告无效 (declare invalid).
Examples
- 01法官宣告被告无罪。.The judge declared the defendant not guilty.
- 02这家公司昨天正式宣告破产。.This company officially declared bankruptcy yesterday.
Characters
Common collocations
- 宣告破产to declare bankruptcy
- 宣告无效to declare invalid
- 宣告结束to declare ended
- 宣告独立to declare independence
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to public communication: 宣 originally meant to spread or make known from the palace (宀 roof radical), while 告 combines 牛 (ox) and 口 (mouth), suggesting loud proclamation.