可贵

• Pinyin: kě guì
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = worthy; 贵 = 中 + 贝 (cowrie shell, signifying value)

Meaning

Valuable; precious; commendable. Describes qualities, attitudes, or actions that are worthy of admiration and rare.

Used to highlight positive qualities that are not common and therefore deserve appreciation. Often applied to virtues like honesty, perseverance, or selflessness. Emphasizes that something is praiseworthy precisely because it is uncommon.

Examples

1. 在当今社会，保持诚信是非常可贵的品质。 In today's society, maintaining integrity is a very precious quality.
2. 他愿意承认错误，这种态度很可贵。 He's willing to admit his mistakes — this attitude is commendable.
3. 难能可贵的是，她在逆境中依然保持乐观。 What's particularly valuable is that she remained optimistic despite adversity.

Usage Guide

Context: praise, moral evaluation, recognition

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 他的坚持精神非常可贵。(His perseverance is truly commendable.)
• 这种无私奉献的精神可贵。(This spirit of selfless dedication is precious.)

Don't Say

• 这个包包很可贵。(Don't use 可贵 for material objects — use 昂贵 or 贵重; 可贵 is for virtues and qualities)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (worthy of) + 贵 (precious/valuable). Literally means 'worthy of being valued.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal