noun HSK 5
Traditional 珍寶
zhēn bǎo
treasure · precious object · valuables

Meaning

珍宝 refers to precious objects or treasures of great value, whether material (like jewels, artifacts) or metaphorical (like cherished people or memories). It combines the characters for 'precious' and 'treasure' to emphasize something of exceptional worth.

Usage

This word appears in both formal and literary contexts, often used to describe rare artifacts, valuable possessions, or beloved people/things. It carries a more elevated register than everyday words like 宝物. Common in historical, cultural, or poetic contexts when referring to treasured items or describing someone/something as precious.

Examples

  1. 01
    博物馆里收藏着许多稀世珍宝
    Bówùguǎn shōucáng zhe xǔduō xīshì zhēnbǎo.
    The museum houses many rare treasures.
  2. 02
    这些古董对我来说都是珍宝
    Zhèxiē gǔdǒng duì lái shuō dōu shì zhēnbǎo.
    These antiques are all treasures to me.

Characters

Measure words

  • jiàn一件珍宝
  • 一批珍宝

Common collocations

  • 稀世珍宝
    shì zhēn bǎo
    rare treasure of the world
  • 国家珍宝
    guó jiā zhēn bǎo
    national treasure
  • 视为珍宝
    shì wéi zhēn bǎo
    to regard as a treasure

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters contain the jade radical (玉), reflecting ancient Chinese culture's high valuation of jade and precious stones as symbols of wealth and virtue.

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