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March 24, 2026
谷(穀)gǔ(gu3)
The character 谷 (gǔ) primarily refers to grain or corn, highlighting its agricultural significance. It can also denote a valley, gorge, or ravine, emphasizing natural landscapes. This character is often used in contexts related to farming, geography, and family names, particularly the surname Gu.
Strokes7Radical谷Frequency#3952DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
谷 (gǔ) is significant in Chinese culture, especially in agricultural societies, where grain is a staple food. Festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival involve offerings of grain, reflecting its importance in sustenance and tradition.
Memory Tip
Think of 谷 (gǔ) as a 'gorge' where grains grow. The two horizontal lines at the top can remind you of the horizon over a valley, while the deep 'V' shape represents the valley itself, cradling the grains below. Imagine a valley filled with corn swaying in the wind.
Meanings of 谷
gǔ(gu3)
1grain
2corn
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 谷
谷Simplified
穀Traditional
7Strokes
谷Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3952Frequency Rank
Podcast: 谷
Podcast: 谷
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AI Study Notes for 谷
Quick Contrast
谷 (gǔ) vs 谷物 (gǔwù) — use 谷 for the general concept of grain or valley, while 谷物 specifically refers to grains as a category.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 谷 (gǔ) with other similar characters, such as 语 (yǔ), which means language. This character is often used in agricultural contexts and can be paired with words like 粮食 (liángshí - food/grain) or 山谷 (shāngǔ - mountain valley). Ensure you use the correct tone, as it is pronounced with a falling tone (gǔ).
HSK Study Tips
谷 (gǔ) is not listed in the official HSK levels, but it connects well with vocabulary related to food and geography that learners encounter in HSK 2 and HSK 3. Students should focus on its usage in compound words and phrases to enhance their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 谷 (gǔ) with other similar-sounding characters. For example, using 谷 in place of 语 (yǔ) when discussing language is a common error. Always remember that 谷 relates to grain or valleys, while 语 concerns language.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 谷
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1The giveawayWater flowing 人 from a spring 口 through a valley 八
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 谷? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 谷?
Decomposition of 谷
IDS Structure⿱八⿱人口
谷Full Character
=
八ba1
top
人ren2
top
口kou3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 谷?
How to say surname Gu in Chinese
“surname Gu” in Chinese is谷gǔ
The character 谷 (gǔ) primarily refers to grain or corn, highlighting its agricultural significance. It can also denote a valley, gorge, or ravine, emphasizing natural landscapes. This character is often used in contexts related to farming, geography, and family names, particularly the surname Gu.
When to use 谷
Be careful not to confuse 谷 (gǔ) with other similar characters, such as 语 (yǔ), which means language. This character is often used in agricultural contexts and can be paired with words like 粮食 (liángshí - food/grain) or 山谷 (shāngǔ - mountain valley). Ensure you use the correct tone, as it is pronounced with a falling tone (gǔ).
谷 or something close to it
谷 (gǔ) vs 谷物 (gǔwù) — use 谷 for the general concept of grain or valley, while 谷物 specifically refers to grains as a category.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 谷 (gǔ) with other similar-sounding characters. For example, using 谷 in place of 语 (yǔ) when discussing language is a common error. Always remember that 谷 relates to grain or valleys, while 语 concerns language.
Write 谷
谷
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Practice writing 谷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 谷
谷 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
据说巴士发生翻车，跌进了峡____。
The bus is said to have over-turned and fallen into a ravine.
