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:

宝石は美しいです。

Hōseki wa utsukushii desu

The jewelry is beautiful.

The jewelry is beautiful.

• 宝石 (hōseki) - It means "precious stone" or "jewel".
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "gemstone"
• 美しい (utsukushii) - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

この宝器は美しいですね。

Kono houki wa utsukushii desu ne

This jar is beautiful

This treasure is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 宝器 - noun meaning "vessel of treasure" or "receptacle of value"
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation
• . - Period

この本は私にとって重宝な情報源です。

Kono hon wa watashi ni totte chōhō na jōhōgen desu

This book is a valuable source of information for me.

This book is a helpful resource for me.

• この本 - This book
• は - Topic particle
• 私にとって - for me
• 重宝な - valuable
• 情報源 - source of information
• です - Verb to be/estar

体験は人生の宝物です。

Taiken wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Experiences are treasures of life.

Experience is a treasure of life.

• 体験 (taiken) - experience
• 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

宝は大切なものです。

Takara wa taisetsu na mono desu

Treasures are important.

• 宝 - treasure
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - Important, precious
• な - adjective particle
• もの - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

旅は人生の宝物です。

Tabi wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Travel is a treasure in life.

Travel is a treasure of life.

• 旅 - "viagem" em japonês significa 旅行 (りょこう, ryokou).
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 人生 - Means "life" in Japanese.
• の - It is a grammatical particle that indicates possession or relation.
• 宝物 - means "treasure" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.

書物は知識の宝庫です。

Shomotsu wa chishiki no hōko desu

Books are treasures of knowledge.

Books are a treasure trove of knowledge.

• 書物 - means "book" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that what comes next is the subject of the sentence.
• 知識 - means "knowledge" in Japanese.
• の - Possessive particle in Japanese, indicating that knowledge is the "treasure" of something.
• 宝庫 - means "treasure" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement.

玉は美しい宝石です。

Gyoku wa utsukushii houseki desu

The ball is a beautiful gem.

• 玉 - means "precious stone" or "sphere" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 美しい - The adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful" in Japanese is "美しい" (utsukushii).
• 宝石 - means "precious stone" or "jewel" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating a statement or declaration

発見した宝物はとても貴重です。

Hakken shita takaramono wa totemo kichō desu

The discovered treasure is very valuable.

• 発見した - "Discover"
• 宝物 - noun "treasure"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 貴重 - Adjective "valuable"
• です - verb "to be" (polite form)