Translation and Meaning of: 貴重 - kichou
The Japanese word 貴重[きちょう] is a term that carries significant weight in the vocabulary of the language, representing something valuable, precious, or of great importance. Whether for Japanese language students or those curious about Japanese culture, understanding its meaning, usage, and context can enrich knowledge about the language. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to practical examples of how this word is used in everyday Japanese.
In addition to unveiling the meaning of 貴重, we will address its frequency in conversations, cultural nuances, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you have come across this word in animes, songs, or formal texts, you will discover here why it is so relevant. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides this information so that you can learn in a clear and precise manner.
Meaning and use of 貴重[きちょう]
貴重 is an adjective (or な-adjective) that describes something of great value, whether material or immaterial. It can be used for rare objects, such as antiques, but also for unique experiences or special moments. For example, a watch inherited from a grandfather can be described as 貴重な時計 (kichou na tokei), meaning a "valuable watch."
In a professional context, the word often appears in speeches or documents that highlight important contributions. An employee may receive praise such as 貴重な意見 (kichou na iken), meaning "valuable opinion." This flexibility of use makes 貴重 a versatile term, applicable in both formal and informal situations, as long as the tone is one of respect or admiration.
Origin and writing of the kanjis 貴重
The composition of 貴重 comes from the kanjis 貴 (ki), which means "precious" or "noble," and 重 (chou), which carries the sense of "heavy" or "important." Together, they reinforce the idea of something that not only has value but is also deserving of careful treatment. This combination is not random; it reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on objects, knowledge, and relationships that endure.
It is worth noting that 貴重 is not an old word, but its construction follows the classic logic of kanji compounds, where two characters come together to create a more specific meaning. While 貴 appears in terms such as 貴族 (kizoku, "nobility"), 重 is common in words like 重要 (juuyou, "important"). Understanding these radicals can aid in the memorization and recognition of other vocabulary.
Tips for memorizing and using 貴重 correctly
An effective way to fix 貴重 is to associate it with situations where something is irreplaceable. For example, think of a family heirloom or advice from someone more experienced. These are typical scenarios in which the Japanese would use this word. Repeating phrases like これは貴重な経験です (Kore wa kichou na keiken desu, "This is a valuable experience") also helps to internalize its use.
Avoid confusing 貴重 with terms like 大切 (taisetsu, "important") or 高価 (kouka, "expensive"). While 大切 carries a more affectionate tone and 高価 is purely material, 貴重 encompasses both emotional and practical value. Also, pay attention to the pronunciation: the "chou" in 貴重 sounds like "tiô," without excessive vowel lengthening.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- 貴重な (Kichōna) - Valuable, something of great importance.
- 重要な (Jūyōna) - Significant, of great relevance in various contexts.
- 大切な (Taisetsuna) - Important, refers to what must be cared for and protected.
- 価値がある (Kachi ga aru) - Has value, used to describe something that has intrinsic worth.
- たいへん貴重な (Taihen kichōna) - Extremely valuable, emphasizing even more the importance.
Romaji: kichou
Kana: きちょう
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: precious; valuable
Meaning in English: precious;valuable
Definition: Something importante and valuable.
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How to Write in Japanese - (貴重) kichou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (貴重) kichou:
Example Sentences - (貴重) kichou
See below some example sentences:
Koumotsu wa chikyuu jou de mitsukaru ooku no kichou na shigen no hitotsu desu
Minerals are one of the many valuable resources found on Earth.
Minerals are one of the many valuable resources found on Earth.
- 鉱物 - mineral
- は - Partícula que indica o tópico da frase
- 地球上 - on Earth
- で - Article indicating the location where something happens
- 見つかる - Para ser encontrado
- 多く - Many
- の - Partícula que indica posse ou atribuição
- 貴重な - Valuable
- 資源 - Recurso
- の - Partícula que indica posse ou atribuição
- 一つ - One
- です - Copula que indica cortesia ou formalidade
Ougon wa kichou na kinzoku desu
Gold is a valuable metal.
- 黄金 - gold
- は - Topic particle
- 貴重な - precious
- 金属 - metal
- です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)
Kono hyōhon wa kichōna kenkyū shiryō desu
This sample is a valuable research material.
This specimen is a valuable research material.
- この - this
- 標本 - sample
- は - is
- 貴重な - valuable
- 研究 - research
- 資料 - material
- です - is
Jinzai wa kigyou no mottomo kichou na shisan desu
Human resources are the most valuable assets of a company.
Human resources are the most valuable assets of companies.
- 人材 (jinzai) - Human resources
- は (wa) - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 企業 (kigyou) - Company
- の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
- 最も (mottomo) - More
- 貴重な (kichou na) - Valuable
- 資産 (shisan) - Active
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
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)
Watashi wa kichouhin wo ginkou ni azukeru tsumori desu
I intend to deposit valuables in the bank.
I intend to leave valuables in the bank.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 貴重品 (kichouhin) - noun that means "valuable goods" or "objects of value"
- を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 銀行 (ginkou) - noun that means "bank"
- に (ni) - particle that indicates the destination or location of the action
- 預ける (azukeru) - verb that means "to deposit" or "to trust"
- つもり (tsumori) - expression that indicates the intention or plan to do something
- です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful form of the sentence
Watashi wa anata no kichouhin wo azukari masu
I will take care of your value objects.
I will keep your objects of value.
- 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- あなた - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "you"
- の - possessive particle that indicates that something belongs to someone
- 貴重品 - Japanese noun that means "valuable object"
- を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
- 預かります - Japanese verb that means "to receive in deposit"
Other Words of this Type: Noun, adjective
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun, adjective
