堀 (kū) — (classifier, archaic) for caves and holes
Definition
堀 (kū) is a bound, literary measure word used in classical-style writing for caves and deep holes — it doesn't stand alone and pairs mainly with 洞.
bound form
(classifier, archaic) for caves and holes
Examples
- ，堀。Jù gǔ shū jì zǎi, zhè zuò shān lǐ yǒu sān kū gǔ dòng.According to ancient records, there are three ancient caves in this mountain.
- ，堀。Jù gǔ shū jì zǎi, tàn xiǎn jiā fā xiàn le yì kū shēn dòng.According to ancient records, the explorer discovered a deep cave.
- ，堀。Jù gǔ shū jì zǎi, zhè yì kū dòng fēi cháng yōu shēn.According to ancient records, this cave is very deep and secluded.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
堀 has 土 (earth) on one side and 屈 for the sound. The 土 side points to digging a hole in the ground.
Appears in
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