古董
gǔdǒng · HSK 7
curio
🏺 古 = ancient + 董 = supervise/director; an ancient item worth a curator
古 (gǔ) means ancient or old. 董 (dǒng) means to direct or supervise, and by extension a curator. Together: an old thing important enough to warrant a curator's attention — an antique or curio.
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.