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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
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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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How Well Do You Know 谷?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 谷 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
