Question 1

Structure analysis: How is the character 谷 structured and how does its shape relate to its meanings?

Accepted Answer

The character 谷 is a pictograph showing a valley. The top part represents the converging slopes of a mountain, and the bottom 口 (mouth) depicts the valley entrance. This shape directly gives the meaning "valley," and the meaning "grain" came from the idea that grain grows in valleys.

Question 2

Memory technique: What is a creative way to remember the character 谷?

Accepted Answer

Imagine the top strokes as two hillsides meeting, and the bottom 口 as the valley floor. Picture a stream of grain pouring into that mouth, linking both meanings of "valley" and "grain." This visual can help recall the character easily.

Question 3

Writing tips: Are there any common mistakes or stroke order nuances to watch out for when writing 谷?

Accepted Answer

The stroke order is: dot, left-falling, horizontal, left-falling, vertical, horizontal fold, horizontal (7 strokes total). A common mistake is making the bottom 口 too wide or misplacing the second left-falling stroke—it should be short and angled to fit neatly above the 口.

Question 4

Common expressions: What are some common phrases using 谷, and in what contexts are they used?

Accepted Answer

山谷 (shān gǔ) means "mountain valley" and is used in nature descriptions. 谷物 (gǔ wù) means "grain" or "cereal" and appears in agriculture or food discussions. 稻谷 (dào gǔ) refers specifically to "paddy rice" and is common in farming contexts.

Question 5

Usage context: When and how is the character 谷 used in modern Chinese, and are there any cultural notes?

Accepted Answer

谷 is used both for geographical features (valley) and for food (grain). In Chinese culture, valleys often symbolize peace and seclusion in poetry. The character also appears as a surname and in advanced HSK 6 texts, typically in literary or technical vocabulary.

Question 6

What common words use 谷?

Accepted Answer

Common words containing 谷 include: 山谷 (shān gǔ) — Valley; 谷物 (gǔ wù) — grain; cereal; 稻谷 (dào gǔ) — Paddy rice.

Character	谷
Pinyin	gǔ (gu)
Meaning	valley; grain
Strokes	7
Radical	谷
HSK Level	6
Difficulty	2.8/5

How to Write 谷 (gǔ) — Meaning “valley; grain”

Practice Writing 谷 (gǔ)

How to Write 谷

What Does gǔ (谷) Mean in Chinese?

Character Data

Origin of 谷

Common Words with 谷

Example Sentences

Practice Writing 谷 (gǔ)

Frequently Asked Questions about 谷

More HSK Level 6 Characters

Characters with Radical 谷

Other 7-Stroke Characters