貴重

• Reading: きちょう
• Romaji: kichou
• Kanji breakdown: 貴 (ki) — noble, precious; 重 (chou) — heavy, important
• Pronunciation: /ki.tɕoː/

Meaning

Precious; valuable. Describes something rare or highly valued.

A na-adjective used for both tangible and intangible valuables: 貴重な体験 (a precious experience), 貴重な資料 (valuable materials), 貴重品 (valuables/personal belongings). Emphasises that something is hard to replace or obtain. Common in travel, museums, and formal speech.

Examples

1. 留学は貴重な経験になった。 Studying abroad was a precious experience.
2. 貴重品はフロントに預けてください。 Please leave your valuables at the front desk.
3. この本は非常に貴重な資料だ。 This book is an extremely valuable resource.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, academic, daily life

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 貴 (ki, noble/precious) and 重 (chou, heavy/important). Together, 'noble and weighty' — something deserving high regard and careful handling.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal