古典
gǔdiǎn · HSK 6
classical
📜 古 = ancient + 典 = canon/standard; 'ancient canon' = classical
古 means ancient (10 generations 十 passing down mouths 口). 典 originally showed a book on a stand — a canonical text. Together: ancient canonical works, i.e. classical.
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.