珍珠

• Pinyin: zhēn zhū
• Hanzi breakdown: 珍 = precious/treasure; 珠 = bead/pearl

Meaning

Pearl. A precious round gem formed inside oysters, used in jewelry.

Highly valued in Chinese culture for jewelry and traditional medicine. Common phrases: 珍珠项链 (pearl necklace), 珍珠奶茶 (bubble tea/pearl milk tea — the tapioca balls resemble pearls). Metaphorically used for precious things: 掌上明珠 (pearl in the palm — a beloved daughter).

Examples

1. 她戴着一条漂亮的珍珠项链。 She's wearing a beautiful pearl necklace.
2. 珍珠奶茶是很多年轻人喜欢的饮料。 Bubble tea is a drink that many young people enjoy.
3. 这颗珍珠的品质非常好，光泽很亮。 This pearl is of very high quality with a bright luster.

Usage Guide

Context: jewelry, fashion, food and drink

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这串珍珠是真的吗？(Are these pearls real?)
• 我想要一杯珍珠奶茶。(I'd like a bubble tea.)

Don't Say

• 珍珠球 (珍珠 is already round — no need to add 球)

Origin & History

Compound of 珍 (precious) and 珠 (bead, pearl). A precious bead.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal