古董
gǔ dǒng HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他收藏了很多珍贵的古董。
Tā shōucángle hěnduō zhēnguì de gǔdǒng.
He has collected many precious antiques.
这个花瓶是清朝的古董。
Zhège huāpíng shì Qīngcháo de gǔdǒng.
This vase is an antique from the Qing Dynasty.
古董市场上有各种老物件。
Gǔdǒng shìchǎng shàng yǒu gèzhǒng lǎo wùjiàn.
There are various old items in the antique market.
这是古董。
Zhè shì gǔdǒng.
This is an antique.
我喜欢古董。
Wǒ xǐhuān gǔdǒng.
I like antiques.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the characters: 古 (gǔ) means 'ancient' and 董 (dǒng) sounds like '懂' (dǒng, 'to understand'). Think: 'Understanding ancient things' helps you remember it's about antiques. For the figurative meaning, imagine an 'old fogey' who only likes ancient objects.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and used in both spoken and written Chinese. In its literal sense, it is common in contexts like collecting, auctions, museums, or history. The figurative use for people is informal and often humorous or mildly derogatory.

📖 Grammar Points

古董 typically functions as a noun and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., 珍贵的古董). In the figurative sense, it often appears as 老古董 to emphasize someone's outdated nature.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, collecting antiques reflects an appreciation for history and tradition, often associated with wealth and refinement. The term can carry respect for craftsmanship but, when applied to people, may imply resistance to modern ideas.

🔄 Similar Words

古玩 (gǔwán) also means 'antique' but emphasizes objects for collection and appreciation, often with artistic value, while 古董 is broader and includes the figurative meaning. 文物 (wénwù) refers to 'cultural relics' and is more formal, used for items of historical or cultural importance, often protected by law.

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