gàozhuàng: 告状 - To Tattle, To Complain, To Sue

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Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese verb 告状 (gàozhuàng), which means to report someone's wrongdoing to a higher authority. This term covers everything from a child tattling on a sibling to an employee complaining about a coworker to a superior, and can even mean filing a formal lawsuit. This page explores the deep cultural nuances of 告状, its use in schoolyards and the workplace, and how it differs from similar words like “complain” or “report.”

Pinyin (with tone marks): gàozhuàng

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: To report someone's misdeeds to a person in authority.

In a Nutshell: 告状 is the act of “telling on” someone. It inherently involves a power dynamic: you don't 告状 to an equal, you go up the chain of command to a parent, teacher, boss, or even a court. It often carries a slightly negative or childish connotation, implying that you are unable or unwilling to resolve the issue directly with the other person. Think of it as escalating a personal grievance to a higher power for judgment and resolution.

告 (gào): To tell, to inform, to report. This character often relates to formal speech or announcements. Imagine a mouth (口) formally addressing an authority.

状 (zhuàng): A state of affairs, a condition, or a written statement. In a legal context, it specifically refers to a formal written complaint or accusation.

The two characters combine to mean “to report the state of affairs,” which perfectly captures the essence of presenting a case or a complaint to someone who can do something about it.

In Chinese culture, which often emphasizes social harmony (和谐, héxié) and respecting hierarchy, direct confrontation can be seen as disruptive. 告状 can sometimes be a way to address a problem while avoiding a direct, face-to-face conflict. You let the authority figure handle the unpleasantness.

However, it's a double-edged sword. While it leverages the hierarchical structure, it can also be seen as sneaky, weak, or a betrayal of trust, especially among peers. The person who likes to 告状 is often viewed as a “tattletale” or a “snitch.”

Comparison to Western Culture: In English, “tattling” is a word almost exclusively used for and by children, and it's heavily discouraged. For adults, we use more specific, often neutral terms like “to report,” “to file a complaint,” or “to whistle-blow.” 告状 is unique because it covers this entire spectrum, from the playground to the courtroom, while consistently carrying a slightly immature or petty undertone unless the situation is extremely serious. It's less about abstract justice (like “whistle-blowing”) and more about resolving a personal grievance through an authority figure.

Among Children & in School: This is the most classic and common context. A child gets bullied or sees a classmate cheating and runs to the teacher or their parents to 告状. It's a fundamental part of childhood social dynamics.

In the Workplace: This is a much more delicate situation. To 告状 against a colleague to your manager is a serious move. It can be perceived as “backstabbing” (打小报告, dǎ xiǎo bàogào) and can damage team morale. It's usually a last resort.

In a Legal Context: This is the most formal usage. 告状 can mean to file a complaint or bring a lawsuit against someone. For example, 去法院告状 (qù fǎyuàn gàozhuàng) means “to go to court to sue.” In this context, the negative connotation is much weaker as it refers to a formal, legitimate process.

Connotation: The connotation is generally negative to neutral. It's rarely seen as a noble or brave act unless the offense being reported is severe and harmful to the collective. In everyday disputes, it implies an inability to handle one's own problems.

投诉 (tóusù) - To complain (formally, about a service or product). Less personal and more official than 告状.

举报 (jǔbào) - To report (a crime or serious violation to the authorities). More formal and serious, often with a sense of public duty.

打小报告 (dǎ xiǎo bàogào) - Lit. “to give a small report.” A highly colloquial and negative synonym for 告状, emphasizing the sneaky, backstabbing nature of the act.

抱怨 (bàoyuàn) - To complain or grumble. This is about venting dissatisfaction, often to peers or to oneself, not necessarily to an authority figure for action.

控告 (kònggào) - To accuse or charge in a legal sense. This is a formal term used in the justice system.

欺负 (qīfu) - To bully or to pick on someone. This is a very common reason for a child to 告状.

委屈 (wěiqu) - The feeling of being wronged or suffering an injustice. This emotion is often the primary motivator for someone to 告状.

上级 (shàngjí) - A superior or boss. This is the person you typically 告状 to in a workplace hierarchy.