古

gǔ

十 + 口

HSK 3.0Level 5

Definitions

gǔ (adjective) ancient; old

gǔ (noun,adverb) past time; long ago

Etymology

Depicts a shield. Based on the original meaning "firm, solid", which is now written as 固. The current meaning "old" is a phonetic loan.

About

古 is a pictograph of a shield. Its original meaning was "firm, solid", a sense now written as 固. The modern meaning "old" arose through phonetic loan.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一本古书。

Zhè shì yī běn gǔ shū.

This is an ancient book.

这座古城很漂亮。

Zhè zuò gǔ chéng hěn piàoliang.

This ancient city is very beautiful.

他对古代历史很感兴趣。

Tā duì gǔdài lìshǐ hěn gǎn xìngqù.

He is very interested in ancient history.

那是一个古老的传说。

Nà shì yīgè gǔlǎo de chuánshuō.

That is an old legend.

博物馆里有很多古董。

Bówùguǎn lǐ yǒu hěnduō gǔdǒng.

There are many antiques in the museum.

我们要保护古建筑。

Wǒmen yào bǎohù gǔ jiànzhú.

We must protect ancient architecture.

这种技艺是自古相传的。

Zhè zhǒng jìyì shì zìgǔ xiāng chuán de.

This craft has been passed down since ancient times.

对古生物的研究需要耐心。

Duì gǔ shēngwù de yánjiū xūyào nàixīn.

The study of prehistoric life requires patience.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 十

Component: 口

古