值钱

• Pinyin: zhí qián
• Hanzi breakdown: 值 = 人 + 直 (person standing straight — worth); 钱 = 钅+ 戋 (money/currency)

Meaning

Valuable; worth money. Having significant monetary value.

A colloquial term for monetary worth. Used for antiques, collectibles, and goods. 不值钱 (worthless) is the negative form. Can also be used figuratively: 本事才值钱 (skills are what's truly valuable). Contrasted with 珍贵 (precious — emotional value).

Examples

1. 这幅字画看似普通，实际上非常值钱。 This calligraphy and painting may look ordinary, but it’s actually very valuable.
2. 旧货市场里有时能淘到一些意想不到的值钱宝贝。 At a flea market, you can sometimes stumble upon surprisingly valuable treasures.
3. 别小看这枚邮票，它在收藏界相当值钱。 Don’t underestimate this stamp—it’s worth a lot in the collecting world.

Usage Guide

Context: commerce, collecting, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这些老家具虽然破旧，但其实很值钱。(These old pieces of furniture may be worn, but they are actually quite valuable.)
• 现在学历越来越不值钱了，关键还是看能力。(Nowadays degrees are becoming less valuable — what matters is ability.)

Don't Say

• 这段感情很值钱 — for emotional value, use 珍贵 or 宝贵; 值钱 is specifically for monetary worth

Origin & History

值 (worth) + 钱 (money)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal