珠宝

• Pinyin: zhū bǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 珠 = 王 (jade radical) + 朱 (red/phonetic); 宝 = 宀 (roof) + 玉 (jade), treasure under roof

Meaning

Jewelry; gems and precious stones; jewels and treasures.

Encompasses all precious ornaments including diamonds, jade, gold, pearls, and other gemstones. Used in both singular and collective senses. Associated with wealth, luxury, and status. Common in contexts of shopping, investment, and gifts.

Examples

1. 她收藏了不少古董珠宝，每一件都价值连城。 She has collected quite a few antique jewels, each one priceless.
2. 这家珠宝店的设计款式独特，吸引了很多年轻顾客。 This jewelry store has unique designs that attract many young customers.
3. 他把家传的珠宝捐给了博物馆，让更多人欣赏。 He donated the family heirloom jewelry to the museum so more people could appreciate it.

Usage Guide

Context: luxury, shopping, gifts

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这条项链是意大利珠宝品牌的经典款。(This necklace is a classic piece from an Italian jewelry brand.)
• 珠宝行业近年来发展迅速。(The jewelry industry has developed rapidly in recent years.)

Don't Say

• 我买了一个珠宝。(Awkward — say 一件珠宝 or specify the item like 一条珠宝项链)

Origin & History

Compound of 珠 (pearl, bead) and 宝 (treasure). Originally 珠 specifically meant pearls, but the compound now refers to all precious ornaments.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal