noun HSK 5
Traditional 財寶
cái bǎo
treasure · riches · valuables · wealth

Meaning

财宝 refers to valuable possessions, treasures, or riches, often with a somewhat classical or literary flavor. It combines 财 (wealth, money) and 宝 (treasure, precious thing) to emphasize material valuables of significant worth. The term is commonly used in stories, historical contexts, or when discussing hidden or accumulated wealth.

Usage

This word appears frequently in literature, fairy tales, adventure stories, and historical narratives. While understood in everyday conversation, it has a slightly formal or narrative quality compared to more common words like 钱 (money) or 财富 (wealth). Often used when discussing ancient treasures, pirate loot, or valuable collections.

Examples

  1. 01
    传说这座山里埋藏着海盗的财宝
    Chuán shuō zhè zuò shān mái cáng zhe hǎi dào de cái bǎo.
    Legend has it that pirate treasure is buried in this mountain.
  2. 02
    他们在古墓中发现了许多珍贵的财宝
    men zài zhōng xiàn le duō zhēn guì de cái bǎo.
    They discovered many precious treasures in the ancient tomb.

Characters

Measure words

  • jiàn一件财宝
  • 一批财宝

Common collocations

  • 寻找财宝
    xún zhǎo cái bǎo
    to search for treasure
  • 埋藏财宝
    mái cáng cái bǎo
    to bury treasure
  • 无数的财宝
    shù de cái bǎo
    countless treasures

Origin

Both characters have ancient origins: 财 originally depicted possessions or goods, while 宝 showed precious jade or valuables under a roof. Combined, they create an emphatic term for material treasures.

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