Definitions
(noun)
non-Han people; foreigners (especially from Central Asia)
(adjective)
reckless; outrageous
(particle)
what; why
(noun)
beard; mustache
Etymology
Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 古 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "flesh under the chin of a cow", which later shifted to "beard" (now written as 鬍 in traditional characters). Also used pejoratively to refer to foreigners from central Asia, who tended to have more beards than Han Chinese people. This meaning also shifted to "reckless" and "outrageous".
About
The character "胡" originally denoted the lower face or throat region, with its structure combining the phonetic component "古" and the radical "月", a variant form of "肉" (meat) indicating a bodily association. Its meaning evolved from this anatomical reference to specifically signify the beard or whiskers growing in that area. This association with facial hair likely influenced its application as an ethnonym for various nomadic groups north of China, historically referred to as the Hu. Over centuries, the character's semantic range expanded to encompass ideas of recklessness or irrationality, as seen in words like "胡闹" (to act wildly), while it also functions commonly as a surname.
Example Sentences Hide
我今天吃了胡萝卜。
他的胡子很长。
你不要胡闹了。
他经常说胡话。
胡桃很有营养。
他留着长长的胡须。
他擅长拉胡琴。
他胡乱地写了一些字。