Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 谷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 谷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
Millions of wild flowers colour the valleys, especially in April and May.
Cultural Notes for 谷
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 谷
Compounds34
容Rong2surname Rong
欲yu4desire
浴yu4bath
豁hua2clear, open; exempt
俗su2custom
裕yu4abundant
峪yu4valley, ravine
绤
谽
郤Xi4crack, crevice; gap, interval; surname
鋊
鹆yu4mynah; Acridotheres tristis
卻que4still, but; decline; retreat
唂
慾yu4passion, desire, lust; appetite
焀
硲
綌
螸
谸
谹
谺
谻
谼
谾
谿xi1valley, gorge; mountain stream
豀
豂
豃
豄
豅
輍
逧
鵒yu4mynah; Acridotheres tristis
Words Containing This Character20
谷gǔgrain穀
峡谷xiágǔcanyon峽谷
山谷shāngǔvalley
曼谷Bangkok, capital of Thailand
低谷dīgǔvalley
谷仓barn穀倉
谷物cereal穀物
硅谷Silicon Valley
河谷river valley
谷底valley floor
稻谷dàogǔrice crops稻穀
谷子millet穀子
包谷corn包穀
谷歌variant of 谷歌[Gǔgē]穀歌
布谷cuckoo布穀
幽谷deep valley
大峡谷great valley大峽谷
五谷all crops五穀
布谷鸟cuckoo (Cercococcyx spp.)布谷鳥
谷氨酸glutamic acid (Glu), an amino acid穀氨酸
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 容 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 谷
Common phrases include 山谷 (shāngǔ - mountain valley) and 谷物 (gǔwù - grains).
Yes, 谷 is frequently used in agricultural discussions and can also appear in place names.
谷 is pronounced with a falling tone, gǔ, where the tone starts high and drops.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 谷?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
