Definitions

gòu dirt; disgrace

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "垢" originates from a semantic-phonetic composition, integrating the earth radical "土" to convey its fundamental association with soil and physical grime, while the component "后" primarily provides a phonetic clue. Its etymology firmly anchors the character in the concept of tangible dirt or filth, a meaning consistently maintained in classical and modern usage. Over time, however, the application of "垢" broadened to include abstract notions of impurity, such as moral stain or disgrace, illustrating a natural linguistic extension from concrete to figurative realms. The structural integrity of the character has remained unchanged, with its traditional form continuing to represent both literal and metaphorical dimensions of defilement.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

衣服上有污

Yīfu shàng yǒu wūgòu.

There is dirt on the clothes.

厨房里有很多油

Chúfáng lǐ yǒu hěn duō yóugòu.

There is a lot of grease in the kitchen.

他用刷子刷掉污

Tā yòng shuāzi shuā diào wūgòu.

He used a brush to scrub off the dirt.

水壶里积满了水

Shuǐhú lǐ jī mǎn le shuǐgòu.

The kettle is full of scale.

因为长时间不清理,机器上都是污

Yīnwèi cháng shíjiān bù qīnglǐ, jīqì shàng dōu shì wūgòu.

Because it hasn't been cleaned for a long time, the machine is covered with dirt.

古老的雕像上覆盖着厚厚的尘

Gǔlǎo de diāoxiàng shàng fùgài zhe hòuhòu de chéngòu.

The ancient statue is covered with thick dust and dirt.

定期清除水能延长家电寿命。

Dìngqī qīngchú shuǐgòu néng yáncháng jiādiàn shòumìng.

Regularly removing scale can extend the life of household appliances.

尽管她脸上有尘,但眼睛依然明亮。

Jǐnguǎn tā liǎn shàng yǒu chéngòu, dàn yǎnjīng yīrán míngliàng.

Although there is dust and dirt on her face, her eyes are still bright.