国宝

• Pinyin: guó bǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 国 = 囗 (enclosure) + 玉 (jade) — a realm with treasure at its heart; 宝 = 宀 + 玉 + 贝 (roof + jade + cowrie) — treasure

Meaning

National treasure. Something or someone of exceptional value to a country — including cultural relics, rare animals, or distinguished individuals.

Most famously applied to the giant panda (大熊猫), which is widely called China's national treasure. Also used for priceless cultural artefacts, historically significant buildings, and outstanding artists or scholars regarded as living embodiments of national heritage. Carries strong emotional and patriotic resonance.

Examples

1. 大熊猫作为中国的国宝，受到了全社会的高度关注与严格保护。 As a national treasure of China, the giant panda has received extensive public attention and strict protection.
2. 故宫博物院珍藏着无数国宝级文物，吸引全球游客慕名而来。 The Palace Museum houses countless national-treasure-level cultural relics, drawing visitors from around the world.
3. 这位老艺术家被誉为京剧国宝，数十年如一日守护着传统艺术。 This veteran artist is hailed as a national treasure of Peking Opera and has safeguarded the traditional art for decades.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, conservation, patriotism, art

Tone: reverent

Do Say

• 大熊猫是中国对外文化交流的一张名片，也是全球公认的国宝物种。(The giant panda is a calling card for China's cultural exchanges abroad and a universally recognised national treasure species.)
• 国宝级非遗传承人的技艺一旦失传，将是整个民族文化的巨大损失。(Once the skills of national-treasure-level intangible heritage inheritors are lost, it will be an enormous loss for the entire nation's culture.)

Don't Say

• 我的猫是我的国宝 — 国宝 refers to something of nationally recognised significance; for a beloved pet say 我的猫是我的宝贝 or 我视它如珍宝

Origin & History

国 (nation/country) + 宝 (treasure). A compound meaning 'national treasure' — an item or being held in the highest esteem as belonging to and representing the nation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal