TongTong
Sign in

亘古 (gèn gǔ) — from time immemorial; since ancient times

Definition

A literary adverb meaning 'from time immemorial' or 'since ancient times' — used in formal writing to emphasize something has held true across all of history. Typically appears before a verb (e.g. 亘古不变) in set phrases.

adverb
from time immemorialsince ancient times

Examples

  • 亘古，。
    gèn gǔ Yǐ lái, rén lèi jiù xiàng wǎng zì yóu.
    Since time immemorial, humans have longed for freedom.
  • 亘古。
    Zhè zuò shān gèn gǔ yì lì zài zhè lǐ.
    This mountain has stood here since time immemorial.
  • 亘古。
    Tā men de yǒu yì gèn gǔ bú biàn.
    Their friendship is unchanging since ancient times.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

亘gènspanning
古gǔancient times

'亘' (spanning) and '古' (ancient times) together mean from time immemorial.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape of 亘 comes from combining 二 and 囘.

Open 亘 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

One reading of 古 sees a shield-like shape above an open mark, showing strength and firmness. Another sees a person spitting out bad-tasting food.

Open 古 →
Appears in
Time (Abstract)

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.