Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
古董gǔdǒng(gu3dong3)
The term '古董' (gu3 dong3) refers to antiques or curios, typically items that are considered valuable due to their age, rarity, or historical significance. It is commonly used in contexts involving art, collectibles, or historical artifacts. The word conveys a sense of nostalgia and cultural heritage.
Frequency#5808DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, collecting antiques is a respected hobby that is often associated with wisdom and cultural appreciation. Many antique items are connected to significant historical events or figures, making them valuable not just as objects but as stories.
Memory Tip
Imagine an old, dusty '古' (ancient) shop filled with '董' (rare) treasures. Picture yourself uncovering a beautiful, ancient vase that tells stories of the past. The sound 'gu3' can remind you of 'gorgeous' antiques that you might find in such a shop.
Meanings of 古董
gǔdǒng(gu3dong3)
1curio
2antique
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 古董
古董Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#5808Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 古董
Podcast: 古董
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 古董
Quick Contrast
文物 (wénwù) - use '古董' for items valued for age and rarity, while '文物' refers to cultural relics with historical significance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine an old, dusty '古' (ancient) shop filled with '董' (rare) treasures. Picture yourself uncovering a beautiful, ancient vase that tells stories of the past. The sound 'gu3' can remind you of 'gorgeous' antiques that you might find in such a shop.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '古董' with '古代' (ancient), which refers to the ancient times rather than the items themselves. This term is generally used in formal contexts, especially when discussing art or history. Common collocations include '古董市场' (antique market) and '古董收藏' (antique collection).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '古董' connects to themes of culture and history, which are essential in advanced language learning. Students should focus on using this term in discussions about cultural artifacts and their significance in Chinese society.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, collecting antiques is a respected hobby that is often associated with wisdom and cultural appreciation. Many antique items are connected to significant historical events or figures, making them valuable not just as objects but as stories.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse '古董' by applying it to any old item regardless of its value. For example, saying '这把旧椅子是个古董' (This old chair is an antique) is incorrect unless the chair is genuinely an antique. Instead, specify its historical value or rarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 古董
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 古董 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 古董 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 古董
古董 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 2 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
有些人会把这些奇怪的铁片与木块称作“____”。
Some would call these odd pieces of iron and wood "antiques"
Jane Pollock Antiques deals in silver and small collectables.
3
他从事古董家具买卖已有25年。
tā cóng shì gǔ dǒng jiā jù mǎi mài yǐ yǒu25 25。
He has been trading in antique furniture for 25 years.
4
他声称把所有的钱都投进了自己的古董生意。
tā shēng chēng bǎ suǒ yǒu de qián dū tóu jìn le zì jǐ de gǔ dǒng shēng yì。
He claimed he ploughed all his money into his antique business.
5
我们在镇上一家古色古香的古董店逛了一下.
wǒ mén zài zhèn shàng yī jiā gǔ sè gǔ xiāng de gǔ dǒng diàn guàng le yī xià.
We stopped at a quaint little antique shop in the town.
Cultural Notes for 古董
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, collecting antiques is a respected hobby that is often associated with wisdom and cultural appreciation. Many antique items are connected to significant historical events or figures, making them valuable not just as objects but as stories.
Frequently Asked Questions about 古董
'古董' refers to antiques or collectibles, while '文物' specifically means cultural relics or artifacts that hold historical importance.
No, '古董' specifically refers to items that are considered antiques, typically over a hundred years old, and of significant value.
'Antique shop' is '古董店' (gu3 dong3 dian4) in Chinese.
