貴重
kichō
The Japanese word for "precious" is 貴重 (kichō).
貴重 is used to describe something of high value or worth.
Meaning: of high value or worth (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 貴 (ki), meaning high rank or value and 珍 (chō), meaning rare or unusual.
Which one should you use?
While 貴重 emphasizes rarity and high objective value, the word 大切 (taisetsu) is more commonly used to express emotional attachment or personal importance.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to modify a noun, the form 貴重 (kichō) takes the particle な (na). When used at the end of a sentence to describe a subject, 貴重 (kichō) is a na-adjective and takes だ (da) or です (desu).
How do you pronounce it?
kichō
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese internet slang, the word 尊い (toutoi), which can mean 'precious' or 'sacred', is frequently used by fans to express intense devotion to idols or fictional characters. It conveys a sense of being so wonderful that one is almost overwhelmed by its holiness.
- The word 大切 (taisetsu), used for emotional preciousness, literally translates to 'large heart'. This suggests that things of value are those that occupy a large space in one's heart.
- The character 貴 in 貴重 is also used in the word 貴社 (kisha) to mean 'your company'. This elevates the business partner's company to a status of 'preciousness' as a form of extreme professional respect.
Examples in context
- 時間は何よりも貴重なものだよ。Time is the most precious thing of all.This sentence shows how to describe time as a precious thing using 貴重.Tatoeba #10865795 by bunbuku, translation #263981 by CM
- 金は、あらゆる金属の中で最も貴重である。Gold is more precious than any other metal.This sentence compares the preciousness of gold to other metals using 貴重.Tatoeba #179742 by bunbuku, translation #18601 by Swift
- 時間は貴重なものであるから、できるだけ活用すべきである。Time is a precious thing, so we should make the best use of it.This sentence explains that because time is a precious thing, one should make the best use of it, using 貴重.Tatoeba #150578 by KK_kaku_, translation #263980 by CM
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are looking at old photographs in an album.
- 陽太 Yotaこれは本当に貴重な写真だね。Kore wa hontō ni kichō na shashin da ne.This is a truly precious photograph, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、もうどこにも売っていないよ。Un, mō doko ni mo utte inai yo.Yeah, you can't buy this anywhere anymore.
- 陽太 Yota大切に保管しておこう。Taisetsu ni hokan shite okō.Let's keep it stored carefully.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね、陽太。ずっと残しておこうね。Sō da ne, Yōta. Zutto nokoshite okō ne.I agree, Yota. Let's keep it forever.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
