[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Landforms # 谷 gǔ valley ## Components [[八 (bā)]] [[八 bā]] [[人 rén]] [[人 (rén)]] [[口 (kǒu)]] [[口 kǒu]] ## Meaning Today, the character "谷" (gǔ) primarily retains its meaning as "valley" or "gorge." It is often used in geographical contexts to describe a low-lying area between mountains or hills where water flows, and it can also refer to a depression in the Earth's surface. Additionally, "谷" can still signify grains or cereals, although its usage in this sense is less common compared to its geographical meaning. ## History The character "谷" (gǔ) originated as a compound ideogram. Its upper part resembles flowing water, while the lower part represents a mountain pass, symbolizing a valley. Its original meaning refers to the narrow passage between two mountains or hills, often with a watercourse flowing through it. In ancient times, "谷" denoted the geographical feature of a valley, where streams or rivers would flow from the mountains through a narrow opening. The character "谷" was initially used to describe the geographical feature of a valley, where streams or rivers would flow from the mountains through a narrow opening. Over time, its usage expanded to include the broader category of grains or cereals, represented by the character "穀" (gu). Eventually, "谷" came to replace "穀" in common usage, with both characters having the same pronunciation, "gu." ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[谷 ora 1.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[谷 bronce 1.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[谷 sello 1.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[谷 cle 1.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[谷 reg 1.svg]]