考古 (kǎo gǔ) literally means 'to examine antiquity' — 考 (kǎo) means 'to investigate, examine, or study', and 古 (gǔ) means 'ancient' or 'antiquity'. Together, they form the standard Chinese term for 'archaeology': the scientific study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of material remains like tools, pottery, buildings, and graves.

This word is used in academic, cultural, and media contexts — for example, when referring to archaeological fieldwork, museum exhibits, or historical research. It commonly appears in compound nouns such as 考古学家 (kǎo gǔ xué jiā, 'archaeologist'), 考古发掘 (kǎo gǔ fā jué, 'archaeological excavation'), and 考古发现 (kǎo gǔ fā xiàn, 'archaeological discovery'). Unlike general terms for history (历史, lì shǐ), 考古 emphasizes physical evidence and hands-on investigation of past societies.