故
gù
What does 故 mean?
Traveler reading for VibeHanzi · seen at 1 published landmark
What it means
former
In this place
In 故宫 it marks time: this compound was a living court — now a monument.
Remember this
Think of a 故人 — someone from then, not now. On ticket stubs and map titles, 故 is the quiet stamp that the emperors have left; the vermilion walls did not. Never read it as “forbidden.”
Where you’ll see it
Quick answers
- What does 故 (gù) mean for travelers?
- former
- Where will I see 故 in China?
- On VibeHanzi it is taught at Forbidden City. Each spot page shows the plaque context; Match locks the reading in under a minute.
- How do I remember 故 on the street?
- Think of a 故人 — someone from then, not now. On ticket stubs and map titles, 故 is the quiet stamp that the emperors have left; the vermilion walls did not. Never read it as “forbidden.”