Translation and Meaning of: 宝 - takara

The Japanese word 宝[たから] carries a deep and culturally rich meaning, often associated with treasures, riches, and things of great value. Whether you are a Japanese language student or just someone curious about the language, understanding the use and origin of this word can open doors to a broader understanding of Japanese mentality. In this article, we will explore its meaning, writing, practical examples, and even how it appears in popular culture.

In addition to uncovering the kanji that makes up たから, we will analyze how this word is perceived in Japan, from its everyday use to the idiomatic expressions that involve it. If you are looking to memorize this word efficiently or simply want to discover interesting facts about it, keep reading to find valuable and accurate information.

Meaning and writing of 宝[たから]

The word 宝[たから] is translated as "treasure" or "wealth," but its meaning goes beyond material value. In Japan, it can refer to precious objects, loved ones, or even invaluable moments. The kanji 宝 is composed of two elements: the radical 宀 (roof) and the component 玉 (jewel), symbolizing something valuable kept under a roof.

Although it is common to find this word in literary or formal contexts, it also appears in daily life, especially in expressions like 宝くじ (lottery) or 宝もの (something very precious). It is worth noting that, although たから is the most usual reading, the same kanji can be read as "hou" in compound words, such as 宝物 (ほうもつ), which also means treasure.

Cultural usage and practical examples

In Japan, the idea of "treasure" is deeply connected to culture and philosophy. Proverbs like 宝の持ち腐れ (having a treasure and not using it) show how the word is rooted in the language. Furthermore, animes and mangas often use たから to represent magical objects or legendary artifacts, as seen in the classic "Dragon Ball," where the Dragon Balls are referred to as ドラゴンボールの宝.

Another interesting aspect is the metaphorical use of the word. Many Japanese refer to children, friends, or memories as たから, reinforcing the idea that true treasures are not always material. If you want to practice, a simple sentence like "この本は私の宝です" (This book is my treasure) can help you fix the vocabulary in a natural way.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember the kanji 宝 is to associate its structure with the idea of "jewels stored at home." The radical 宀 represents a roof, while 玉 refers to precious stones. This mental image helps facilitate the memorization of both the writing and the meaning. Additionally, the word is often used in games and adventure stories, which can aid in reinforcing your learning through entertainment.

Interestingly, 宝 also appears in place names and festivals in Japan, such as the famous Todaiji Temple in Nara, which houses Buddhist relics considered national treasures. If you have already visited or plan to visit the country, paying attention to signs and indications with this kanji can be a practical way to absorb its real usage.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 宝物 (takaramono) - Precious goods, treasures; items of value.
• 財宝 (zaihō) - Riches, financial treasures; items of great value.
• 宝石 (hōseki) - Jewels, precious stones; valuable objects cut and polished.
• 宝箱 (takarabako) - Treasure chest; container for storing valuable goods.
• 宝飾品 (hōshokuhin) - Jewelry, adornments; beautiful objects that can have value.
• 宝物庫 (takarabako) - Treasure warehouse; a place where precious goods are kept.
• 宝玉 (hōgyoku) - Precious spheres, gems; spherical precious stones, often with symbolic value.
• 宝器 (hōki) - Valuable objects; precious items used in ceremonies or rituals.
• 宝物殿 (takaramonodono) - Treasure Hall; a place for displaying precious goods.
• 宝物館 (takaramonokan) - Museum of treasures; an institution that exhibits and preserves valuable objects.
• 宝物探し (takarabotanasahi) - Treasure hunt; activity of searching for precious goods.

宝

Romaji: takara
Kana: たから
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: treasure

Meaning in English: treasure

Definition: things and valuable properties.

Example Sentences - (宝) takara

See below some example sentences:

山林は自然の宝庫です。

Yamabayashi wa shizen no hōko desu

The forests are natural treasures.

The forest is a treasure of nature.

• 山林 (sanrin) - Mountain forest
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自然 (shizen) - nature
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 宝庫 (houko) - tesouro, depósito
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

学問は人生の宝物です。

Gakumon wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Knowledge is a treasure in life.

Academic is a treasure of life.

• 学問 - means "study" or "knowledge acquired through study".
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "study".
• 人生 - means "human life."
• の - possession particle, indicating that "human life" is the possessor of the treasure.
• 宝物 - means "treasure".
• です - verb to be in the present tense, indicating that "study" is a treasure in human life.

貝は海の宝物です。

Kai wa umi no takaramono desu

Shells are treasures of the sea.

Mariscos is a treasure of the sea.

• 貝 - means "shell" in Japanese.
• は - it is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "shell".
• 海 - Means "sea" in Japanese.
• の - It is a grammatical particle that indicates possession, in this case "of the sea".
• 宝物 - means "treasure" in Japanese.
• です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.

記憶は人生の宝物です。

Kioku wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Memory is a treasure of life.

Memory is a treasure of life.

• 記憶 (kioku) - memory
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 宝物 (takaramono) - treasure
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

蔵にはたくさんの宝物があります。

Kura ni wa takusan no takaramono ga arimasu

There are many treasures in the warehouse.

There are many treasures in the warehouse.

• 蔵 (kura) - means "warehouse" or "storage".
• に (ni) - is a particle that indicates the location of the object of the sentence, in this case, the warehouse.
• は (wa) - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case the warehouse.
• たくさんの (takusan no) - means "many" or "a lot".
• 宝物 (takaramono) - means "treasure" or "valuables".
• が (ga) - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, the treasures.
• あります (arimasu) - is a verb meaning "to exist" or "to have".

研究は人生の宝物です。

Kenkyuu wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Research is a treasure in life.

Research is a treasure of life.

• 研究 (kenkyuu) - research, study
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 宝物 (takaramono) - treasure
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

真珠は美しい宝石です。

Shinju wa utsukushii houseki desu

The pearls are beautiful jewels.

Pearls are beautiful jewels.

• 真珠 (しんじゅ) - pearl
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい (うつくしい) - Beautiful, lovely
• 宝石 (ほうせき) - gemstone
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

熱帯雨林は生命の宝庫です。

Nettai urin wa seimei no hōko desu

Tropical forests are life's treasures.

The rainforest is a treasure of life.

• 熱帯雨林 (nettai urin) - Tropical forest
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 生命 (seimei) - life
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 宝庫 (houko) - treasure
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

森林は自然の宝石です。

Mori no wa shizen no hōseki desu

Forests are nature's jewels.

The forest is a natural gem.

• 森林 (shinrin) - forest
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自然 (shizen) - nature
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 宝石 (hōseki) - jewel
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

思い出は宝物です。

Omoide wa takaramono desu

Memories are treasures.

Memories are treasures.

• 思い出 - Memoirs
• は - Topic particle
• 宝物 - treasure
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense