宝
takara[ta̠ka̠ɾa̠]
The English word 'treasure' can be translated into Japanese as 宝 (takara). If unsure, use 宝. Wiktionary also lists 宝物 (takaramono).
Meaning: collection of valuable things (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 宝 | takara | [ta̠ka̠ɾa̠] (narrow) |
| 宝物 | takaramono | [ta̠ka̠ɾa̠mo̞no̞] (narrow) [ho̞ːmo̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The Japanese terms for treasure vary depending on whether you are referring to abstract concepts, personal keepsakes or material wealth. Use 宝物 when talking about a sentimental keepsake or a precious object like a childhood toy. If you are discussing a collection of valuable things or large-scale wealth, 宝 is appropriate.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 宝物 is a compound consisting of 宝 (treasure) and 物 (thing).
Which one should you use?
While 宝 can refer to abstract treasures or large-scale wealth, 宝物 is more commonly used to refer to a specific, cherished personal possession. In contrast, the term 財宝 is used specifically for material wealth or a hoard of riches, such as a pirate's treasure, rather than sentimental items.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
takara
Did you know?
- A common folk etymology suggests 宝 means 'from the paddy fields', but this is linguistically impossible because the word for 'from' did not exist in that form when 'treasure' was first recorded.
Examples in context
- 健康は宝です。Health is a treasure.This sentence shows how to use 宝 to describe health as a treasure.Tatoeba #10531329 by small_snow, translation #10571178 by terrywallwork
- 健康は大切な宝です。Health is a precious treasure.This sentence demonstrates using 宝 to describe health as a precious treasure.Tatoeba #10531328 by small_snow, translation #9726464 by Adelpa
- その財宝は長い間隠されていた。The treasure lay hidden for a long time.This sentence shows the use of 宝 in the context of a hidden treasure.Tatoeba #210529 by bunbuku, translation #47797 by CK
- 彼女の笑顔は私にとって宝です。Her smile is a treasure to me.
- 彼の家には貴重なコインの財宝があります。He has a treasure of valuable coins in his house.
- 私の貴重品であるこの指輪を大切にします。I will treasure this ring, which is a valuable possession of mine.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is showing Hiroto a childhood toy.
- 結衣 Yuiこれは私にとって大切な宝です。Kore wa watashi ni totte taisetsu na takara desu.This is a precious treasure to me.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に大切にしているんだね。Hontō ni taisetsu ni shite iru n da ne.You really cherish it, don't you?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、家族からもらった宝なんです。Hai, kazoku kara moratta takara nan desu.Yes, it's a treasure I received from my family.
- 大翔 Hiroto素敵な宝だね。Suteki na takara da ne.It's a lovely treasure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “treasure” translations and entries 宝, 宝物, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 宝, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
