Definitions
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
The character 古 is an ideogram formed by stacking two components: the number ten 十 above the mouth radical 口. This arrangement symbolizes knowledge or stories passed down orally through ten generations, conveying the passage of considerable time. Thus, 古 represents antiquity, ancient things, or events from the distant past. Unlike many characters that underwent significant semantic shifts or structural simplifications, 古 has preserved both its original form and core meaning related to historical age, serving as a reliable building block for many characters associated with the past.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这是一本古书。
这座古城很漂亮。
他对古代历史很感兴趣。
那是一个古老的传说。
博物馆里有很多古董。
我们要保护古建筑。
这种技艺是自古相传的。
对古生物的研究需要耐心。