古色古香 (gǔ sè gǔ xiāng) — antique, quaint, having an old-world charm

Definition

A chengyu describing things — furniture, buildings, art — that have an old-world charm evocative of ancient China. Often used to praise traditional aesthetic taste.

idiom
antiquequainthaving an old-world charm

Examples

  • 古色古香，。
    Zhè jiā chá guǎn de zhuāng xiū gǔ sè gǔ xiāng, hěn yǒu chuán tǒng yùn wèi.
    The decoration of this teahouse is quaint and full of traditional charm.
  • 古色古香。
    Kè tīng lǐ bǎi le yí tào gǔ sè gǔ xiāng de hóng mù jiā jù.
    There is a set of antique-style rosewood furniture in the living room.
  • 古色古香，。
    Zhè fú huà fēng gé gǔ sè gǔ xiāng, xiàng shì cóng gǔ dài liú chuán xià lái de.
    This painting has an antique flavor, as if it has been handed down from ancient times.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

古色
古gǔantique色sècolour
偏正Modifier + head
古香
古gǔantique香xiāngfragrance
偏正Modifier + head

古色 and 古香 evoke antique colour and fragrance, giving old-world charm.

Characters in this word

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 →

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

  • 爪爪zhuǎclaw; hand
  • 卩卩jiékneeling person

色 pairs 爪 (a hand) with 卩 (a kneeling person), showing a hand pressing down on the kneeling person.

Open 色 →

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 →

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

香's early form paired 黍 (glutinous millet) with 口 (mouth), perhaps showing millet drink being taken in or offered.

Open 香 →

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