宝
takara[ta̠ka̠ɾa̠]
In Japanese, takara means treasure.
The word 宝 (takara) can refer to physical treasures, such as gold or jewels, as well as abstract treasures, including a person or a memory.
Which one should you use?
While 宝 is the standard way to write the word for treasure, the name Takara can be transliterated into katakana as タカラ.
How do you pronounce it?
takara
Did you know?
- Some people claim takara means 'from the paddy fields' because rice was so valuable, but historians call this a folk etymology since the grammar did not exist yet when the word first appeared.
- While takara often refers to wealth, it is frequently used as a name for children to signify they are a precious gift to the family.
- Writing takara in the katakana script as タカラ instead of using kanji can give the word a more modern or stylish aesthetic.
Examples in context
- 彼女は私にとって宝です。She is a treasure to me.
- タカラさん、お久しぶりです。Takara, long time no see.
- 今日は一緒に遊びましょう、宝ちゃん！Let's play together today, Takara!
- これは私の宝です。Kore wa watashi no takara desu.This is my treasure.
- 子供は親にとって宝だ。Kodomo wa oya ni totte takara da.Children are treasures to their parents.
- 海には多くの宝が眠っている。Umi ni wa ooku no takara ga nemutte iru.Many treasures lie sleeping in the sea.
Example conversation
Yui shows Ren a small keepsake box.
- 結衣 Yuiこれは私にとって大切な宝なの。Kore wa watashi ni totte taisetsu na takara na no.This is a precious treasure to me.
- 蓮 Renすごく素敵な宝物だね。Sugoku suteki na takaramono da ne.It is a very wonderful treasure.
- 結衣 Yui蓮君も大切にしてね。Ren-kun mo taisetsu ni shite ne.Please cherish it too, Ren.
- 蓮 Renうん、約束するよ。Un, yakusoku suru yo.Yeah, I promise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 宝, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 宝, CC BY-SA 4.0.
