古

• Pinyin: gǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 古 = 十 (ten) + 口 (mouth/generation) — something from many generations ago

Meaning

Ancient; old; of long ago. Describes things from a distant past.

A single-character adjective used to describe things with great age or historical significance. Appears in many compounds: 古代 (ancient times), 古老 (ancient/old), 古城 (ancient city), 古典 (classical), 古诗 (ancient poem), 古人 (ancients). Often carries a sense of dignity and cultural depth.

Examples

1. 这座古城有两千多年的历史。 This ancient city has a history of over two thousand years.
2. 他很喜欢读古诗。 He really enjoys reading ancient poetry.
3. 博物馆里有很多古物。 The museum has many ancient artefacts.

Usage Guide

Context: history, culture, literature

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 中国有很多古建筑。(China has many ancient buildings.)
• 这首古诗写得很美。(This ancient poem is beautifully written.)

Don't Say

• 我爷爷很古。(Don't use 古 to describe a living person's age — it means 'ancient' for historical things. Say 我爷爷很老 or 我爷爷年纪很大.)

Origin & History

Composed of 十 (ten) and 口 (mouth/generation), suggesting something passed down through ten generations — hence 'ancient.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal