宝

寶
bǎo
#809 most
frequent character
treasure, precious, treasured
noun
adjective

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

宝 shows a building 宀 with jade 玉 inside, so it first meant valuables or being valuable. The meaning grew to treasure and then to precious.

Drawn as: building holding valuables; jade inside

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Example Sentences

这个盒子里有很多宝物。
zhègè hézǐ lǐ yǒu hěnduō bǎowù 。
There are many treasures in this box.
他是我心中最宝贵的朋友。
tāshì wǒ xīnzhōng zuì bǎoguì de péngyǒu 。
He is the most precious friend in my heart.
这件事对我来说很宝贵。
zhè jiàn shì duì wǒ láishuō hěn bǎoguì 。
This matter is very treasured to me.

Same Characters, Different Readings

宝bǎo
treasure, precious, treasured

Words with similar meanings

珍宝zhēnbǎo
precious treasure
This term is often used to refer to something that is not only valuable but also carries a sentimental value.
贵重guìzhòng
valuable
This adjective emphasizes the high value of an object, often in a financial context.

Homophones

HSK 3
饱bǎo
to eat till full, satisfied
保bǎo
defend, protect, keep, guarantee
堡bǎo
(bound form) fortress, stronghold

Words Starting With 宝

宝贝bǎo bèi
treasured object; treasure; darling; baby; cowry; good-for-nothing or queer character
宝贵bǎo guì
valuable; precious; value; treasure; set store by

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