释“告”

Explanation of “告”

分析了“告”字的甲骨文形体 ,其形体构成为上“牛”下“口”的会意字。“告”一词的本义为祭告义 ,“告”的形体下方的“口”则用来表示祷告义。“告”的字形义为祭祀时用牛牲并面对牛而祷告。《说文》分析“告”字的形体不确。

This paper analyses the shape of “告” on inscription on bones. Its shape is “牛” above and “口” bwlow with the meaning of funeral oration. The shape of “告” means praying facing cattle as cattle is put on table as sacrifice. Explanation of “告” in Shuiwen is not correct.