1.
to tell; to inform; to announce
To communicate important information or news to someone. Has a somewhat formal or literary tone and often implies delivering significant or weighty news.
別れを告げる。
To say goodbye.
医者が患者に結果を告げた。
The doctor told the patient the results.
彼は覚悟を決めて、家族に真実を告げた。
Having made up his mind, he told his family the truth.
2.
to signal; to herald
Used figuratively when something signals or marks the beginning or end of a period, season, or event.
鐘の音が正午を告げた。
The bell signaled noon.
桜が春の訪れを告げる。
The cherry blossoms herald the arrival of spring.
試合終了のホイッスルが鳴り、長いシーズンの終わりを告げた。
The final whistle blew, signaling the end of the long season.
More literary and formal than 言う or 伝える. Often used in set phrases and for emotionally significant or weighty communication. The expression 別れを告げる (to bid farewell) is particularly common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 別れを告げる: to bid farewell
- 真実を告げる: to tell the truth
- 終わりを告げる: to signal the end
- 春を告げる: to herald spring