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March 24, 2026
珍贵(珍貴)zhēnguì(zhen1gui4)
珍贵 (zhēn guì) means 'precious' or 'valuable', often used to describe items, experiences, or qualities that hold significant worth. It can refer to material possessions, such as jewelry or antiques, as well as intangible things like time or relationships, conveying a sense of rarity and importance.
Frequency#5067DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of valuing relationships and time is often emphasized, making 珍贵 a relevant term in discussions about family, friendship, and life experiences. For example, the phrase '珍贵的友谊' (precious friendship) reflects the cultural importance placed on meaningful connections.
Memory Tip
Imagine a treasure chest (珍) filled with golden coins (贵). The character 珍 combines the radical for 'precious' with a component that suggests value. Picture a treasure hunter who finds something so rare that it is considered invaluable, helping you remember that 珍贵 means 'precious'.
Meanings of 珍贵
zhēnguì(zhen1gui4)
1precious
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 珍贵
珍贵Simplified
珍貴Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#5067Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 珍贵
Podcast: 珍贵
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AI Study Notes for 珍贵
Quick Contrast
珍稀 (zhēn xī) — use 珍贵 (valuable) for things with significant worth, while 珍稀 (rare) emphasizes scarcity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a treasure chest (珍) filled with golden coins (贵). The character 珍 combines the radical for 'precious' with a component that suggests value. Picture a treasure hunter who finds something so rare that it is considered invaluable, helping you remember that 珍贵 means 'precious'.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 珍贵 in contexts where 'expensive' (昂贵 áng guì) is more appropriate, as they are not interchangeable.珍贵 is more often used in formal contexts, so be mindful of the register when speaking or writing. Common collocations include '珍贵的礼物' (precious gift) and '珍贵的时间' (precious time).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 珍贵 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to value and appreciation. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe not only physical objects but also abstract concepts like relationships and opportunities.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of valuing relationships and time is often emphasized, making 珍贵 a relevant term in discussions about family, friendship, and life experiences. For example, the phrase '珍贵的友谊' (precious friendship) reflects the cultural importance placed on meaningful connections.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 珍贵 with the word 贵, using it inappropriately to describe something that is merely expensive. For example, saying '这件衣服很珍贵' (This piece of clothing is very precious) might be incorrect if it is just a pricey item without sentimental value.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 珍贵
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Grammar Patterns of 珍贵
珍贵 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
那些____的书籍都放在图书馆东馆的架子上.
Those rare books are shelved in the East Library.
Example Sentences for 珍贵 (4)
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1
那些珍贵的书籍都放在图书馆东馆的架子上.
nà xiē zhēn guì de shū jí dū fàng zài tú shū guǎn dōng guǎn de jià zǐ shàng.
Those rare books are shelved in the East Library.
2
水正成为日益珍贵的资源。
shuǐ zhèng chéng wéi rì yì zhēn guì de zī yuán。
Water is becoming an increasingly precious resource.
3
拥有一座藏满了珍贵记忆的宝库真是令人欣慰。
yōng yǒu yī zuò cáng mǎn le zhēn guì jì yì de bǎo kù zhēn shì líng rén xīn wèi。
It is comforting to have a storehouse of treasured memories.
4
英国最珍贵的种鸟正因为那些狂热而自私的鸟蛋收集者而面临着威胁。
yīng guó zuì zhēn guì de zhǒng niǎo zhèng yīn wéi nà xiē kuáng rè ér zì sī de niǎo dàn shōu jí zhě ér miàn lín zháo wēi xié。
Britain's rarest breeding birds are under threat from fanatical and selfish egg collectors.
Cultural Notes for 珍贵
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of valuing relationships and time is often emphasized, making 珍贵 a relevant term in discussions about family, friendship, and life experiences. For example, the phrase '珍贵的友谊' (precious friendship) reflects the cultural importance placed on meaningful connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about 珍贵
Yes, you can use 珍贵 to describe emotions or experiences that are deeply valued, such as '珍贵的记忆' (precious memories).
While it is commonly found in formal contexts, you can also use 珍贵 in everyday conversation when discussing valuable things.
贵 (guì) simply means 'expensive' or 'costly', while 珍贵 (zhēn guì) implies a deeper sense of rarity and emotional value.
