宝贵

• Pinyin: bǎo guì
• Hanzi breakdown: 宝 = 宀 (roof) + 玉 (jade), meaning treasure; 贵 = simplified from 貴, meaning expensive/precious

Meaning

Precious; valuable. Describes something of great worth that should be cherished.

Used for things of high value, especially abstract ones like time, experience, opportunities, and life. Carries a more formal and serious tone than simply saying 重要 (important). Often appears in motivational or reflective contexts.

Examples

1. 时间是最宝贵的资源，我们不应该浪费。 Time is the most precious resource — we shouldn't waste it.
2. 这次实习让我获得了宝贵的工作经验。 This internship gave me valuable work experience.
3. 健康是宝贵的，年轻的时候就要注意保养。 Health is precious — you should take care of yourself while you're young.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work, reflection

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这是一次非常宝贵的学习机会。(This is an extremely valuable learning opportunity.)
• 宝贵的经验比金钱更重要。(Valuable experience is more important than money.)

Don't Say

• 说'这个杯子很宝贵' (Don't use 宝贵 for ordinary objects — it's reserved for things of deep significance; use 贵重 for expensive physical items)

Origin & History

A compound of 宝 (treasure) and 贵 (expensive, noble). Both characters convey value, creating a strong sense of preciousness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal