勧告

かんこく

advice, counsel

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 勧告 (かんこく) means "advice" or "recommendation," often used in formal or official contexts. It implies a suggestion or counsel given by an authority or expert, rather than a casual or personal opinion.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see 勧告 used in government, medical, or organizational settings where an official recommendation is made. For example, governments may 勧告 citizens to take certain actions for safety or health reasons.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 勧告する: to advise or recommend
  • 勧告を受ける: to receive advice or a recommendation
  • 勧告に従う: to follow the advice

These collocations emphasize the formal nature of the advice.

Register and Nuance

勧告 is more formal and authoritative than casual advice words like アドバイス. It often carries a sense of obligation or expectation that the advice should be taken seriously.

Common Learner Pitfall

Do not confuse 勧告 with 告げる (つげる, to inform) or 注意 (ちゅうい, caution). 勧告 specifically refers to giving advice or recommendations, often with an official tone.

Example Sentences

せいふはこくみんにたいしてせつでんをかんこくした。

The government advised the public to save electricity.

いしはかんじゃにきんえんをかんこくした。

The doctor advised the patient to quit smoking.

こくれんはふんそうちいきにたいしてていせんをかんこくした。

The United Nations recommended a ceasefire in the conflict area.