古
gǔ · HSK 3
ancient
🏺 古 = 十 (ten) + 口 (mouth) — stories passed through ten generations of mouths
The classic etymology: something so old it has been retold by ten mouths in succession. Used in 古代 (ancient times), 古典 (classic), 考古 (archaeology). Contrast with 新 (new).
古 — ten 十 + mouth 口
古 is traditionally analyzed as 十 (ten) over 口 (mouth), suggesting words passed down through ten generations — hence 'ancient' or 'old.' Some scholars view the top as a stylized helmet or skull shape in oracle bone forms. The core meaning of 'ancient, old, former times' has remained stable since early Chinese writing.