Meaning
古 refers to things that are ancient, old, or from antiquity. It commonly appears as a prefix in compounds meaning 'ancient' or 'classical,' such as in words related to history, classical literature, or traditional culture. As a standalone word, it can describe objects, customs, or time periods from long ago.
Usage
古 is typically used in written or formal contexts, especially in compounds. It's frequently paired with other characters to form words like 古代 (ancient times), 古典 (classical), or 古老 (age-old). When describing objects or styles, it often implies cultural value or historical significance rather than just being old.
Examples
- 01中国有很多古建筑值得参观。.China has many ancient buildings worth visiting.
- 02自古以来，这里就是重要的贸易中心。, .Since ancient times, this has been an important trade center.
Common collocations
- 古今ancient and modern, past and present
- 古人the ancients, people of ancient times
- 自古以来since ancient times
- 古文classical Chinese, ancient writing
Antonyms
Origin
The character 古 originally depicted 'ten' (十) over 'mouth' (口), representing ten generations passed down orally, symbolizing antiquity and old times.