珍贵

• Pinyin: zhēn guì
• Hanzi breakdown: 珍 = precious/treasure; 贵 = valuable/expensive

Meaning

Precious; valuable; rare. Something of great worth, either materially or sentimentally.

Can describe physical objects (gems, artifacts), abstract things (friendship, memories), or living things (rare species). Common phrases: 珍贵的回忆 (precious memories), 珍贵文物 (valuable cultural relics), 珍贵的友谊 (precious friendship).

Examples

1. 这些老照片对我来说非常珍贵。 These old photos are very precious to me.
2. 博物馆收藏着许多珍贵的历史文物。 The museum houses many valuable historical artifacts.
3. 他们之间建立了珍贵的友谊。 They built a precious friendship between them.

Usage Guide

Context: sentiment, culture, nature

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 时间是最珍贵的资源。(Time is the most precious resource.)
• 这份礼物很珍贵。(This gift is very precious.)

Don't Say

• 这个很珍贵钱 (珍贵 is an adjective — say 这个很珍贵 or 这个很值钱)

Origin & History

Compound of 珍 (precious, treasure) and 贵 (valuable, expensive). Doubly precious.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal