红宝石
hóngbǎoshí
The English word ruby is translated into Chinese as 红宝石 (hóngbǎoshí).
红宝石 is used as a noun to refer to the specific type of gemstone. If you wish to describe something as being of a deep ruby red color, you would use the adjective 宝石红的.
Meaning: type of gem (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 红宝石 is a combination of three parts: 红 (red), 宝 (precious/treasure) and 石 (stone), literally meaning 'red precious stone'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
hóngbǎoshí
Did you know?
- The character 宝 in 红宝石 is also the root of the word for 'baby' (宝宝), as both imply something precious and cherished.
- While 红宝石 is the standard term, high-end jewelry in China often distinguishes between 'pigeon blood' rubies, known as 鸽血红, which is the most prized shade.
- The word 红 in 红宝石 can also mean 'popular' or 'famous' in a modern context, such as describing a celebrity who is 'red' (红了).
Examples in context
- 这颗戒指上嵌有一颗红宝石。This ring is set with a ruby.
- 这颗红宝石很漂亮。Zhè kē hóngbǎoshì hěn piàoliang.This ruby is very beautiful.
- 红宝石的价格很高。Hóngbǎoshì de jiàgé hěn gāo.The price of the ruby is very high.
Example conversation
Yuting and Zhiqiang are looking at jewelry in a store.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，你看这颗红宝石！Zhìqiáng, nǐ kàn zhè kē hóngbǎoshí!Zhiqiang, look at this ruby!
- 志强 Zhiqiang颜色真的很深。Yánsè zhēnde hěn shēn.The color is really deep.
- 雨婷 Yuting它适合做成项链。Tā shìhé zuò chéng xiàngliàn.It would be suitable for a necklace.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也这么觉得。Wǒ yě zhème juéde.I think so too.
