Meaning
国宝 refers to something of great cultural, historical, or symbolic importance to a nation. It can describe precious cultural relics, rare animals (like China's giant panda), important historical artifacts, or even people who have made exceptional contributions to their country.
Usage
Most commonly used to refer to the giant panda in Chinese contexts, but also applies to invaluable cultural artifacts, archaeological finds, and occasionally to revered national figures. The term carries a sense of pride and reverence, indicating something irreplaceable and uniquely significant to the nation's identity.
Examples
- 01大熊猫是中国的国宝。.The giant panda is China's national treasure.
- 02这件青铜器被列为国家一级国宝。.This bronze artifact has been classified as a first-class national treasure.
Characters
Measure words
- 件一件国宝
- 个一个国宝
Common collocations
- 国宝级national treasure level, of national treasure status
- 国宝大熊猫the giant panda, China's national treasure
- 保护国宝to protect national treasures
Origin
Compound of 国 (country) and 宝 (treasure), literally meaning 'country treasure.' The term became especially popular in modern China when referring to the giant panda as a symbol of the nation.