adjective HSK 5
Traditional 珍貴
precious · valuable · rare
Meaning
珍贵 describes something that is exceptionally valuable, rare, or precious, either materially or emotionally. It emphasizes both scarcity and high worth, often applied to objects, resources, experiences, or relationships that deserve special care and appreciation.
Usage
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Often describes treasured items (珍贵的礼物), rare resources (珍贵的资源), or meaningful experiences (珍贵的回忆). Can also describe precious time or relationships that should be cherished. More formal and literary than 宝贵.
Examples
- 01时间是最珍贵的财富。.Time is the most precious treasure.
- 02这些老照片对我来说非常珍贵。.These old photos are very precious to me.
Characters
Common collocations
- 珍贵的礼物precious gift
- 珍贵的回忆precious memories
- 珍贵资源precious resources
- 十分珍贵extremely precious
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to value and rarity. 珍 (jade radical 玉) originally referred to precious treasures or rare gems. 贵 means expensive or valuable, creating a compound that emphasizes both rarity and high worth.