谷
gǔA low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.
这条河流穿过一条深谷。
This river flows through a deep valley.
The term can also refer to a depression in the landscape formed by erosion or tectonic activity.
A measure of grain, especially in traditional Chinese units.
古代中国用谷作为粮食的计量单位。
Ancient China used 'grain' as a unit of measurement for grain.
This usage is less common in modern contexts.
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💡Pro Tip
Geographical Usage
When referring to a valley, 谷 is often combined with other characters like 山 (mountain) or 河 (river) to specify the type of valley.
⚡Gold Rule
Character Composition
Remember that 谷 is composed of the radical 穴 (hole) and the phonetic component 谷, which helps in memorizing its meaning.
📖Word Origin
The character 谷 is composed of the radical 穴 (hole) and the phonetic component 谷, originally referring to a hollow or depression in the land. Over time, it came to specifically denote a valley.
📝Usage Notes
In modern usage, 谷 primarily refers to a geographical feature. The historical meaning related to grain measurement is rarely used today.