瑰宝

• Pinyin: guī bǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 瑰 = 王/玉 (jade radical) + 鬼 (phonetic) — a rare and beautiful gem; 宝 = 宀 + 玉 + 贝 (roof + jade + cowrie) — treasure

Meaning

A precious treasure; a priceless gem. Something of extraordinary value, beauty, or cultural significance.

Used both literally (for gemstones or jewels) and metaphorically (for works of art, cultural heritage, intellectual achievements, or outstanding people). A highly elevated term often found in formal speeches, museum descriptions, and literary writing. Carries a sense of rarity and irreplaceable worth.

Examples

1. 敦煌壁画被誉为人类文化的瑰宝，吸引全球学者前来研究。 The Dunhuang murals are hailed as a treasure of human culture, attracting scholars from around the world to study them.
2. 这部诗集是唐代文学的瑰宝，历经千年仍光彩夺目。 This poetry collection is a gem of Tang-dynasty literature, still dazzling after a thousand years.
3. 杰出的数学家是国家培育的瑰宝，应当受到更好的保护与支持。 Outstanding mathematicians are treasures cultivated by the nation and should receive better protection and support.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, art, academic, formal speeches

Tone: elevated

Do Say

• 这套明代瓷器是博物馆的镇馆之宝，堪称中华文明的瑰宝。(This set of Ming dynasty porcelain is the museum's most prized exhibit and can be considered a treasure of Chinese civilisation.)
• 红楼梦是中国古典文学的瑰宝，凝聚了无数代人的智慧与情感。(Dream of the Red Chamber is a treasure of classical Chinese literature, embodying the wisdom and emotion of countless generations.)

Don't Say

• 这件衬衫真是瑰宝 — 瑰宝 denotes items of extraordinary cultural, artistic, or intellectual value; for everyday admiration of clothing use 这件衬衫真漂亮 or 这件衬衫质量真好

Origin & History

瑰 (rare/beautiful jade or gem) + 宝 (treasure). 瑰 originally referred to a kind of rare precious stone; combined with 宝, the compound elevates the meaning to an irreplaceable and extraordinary treasure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal