About
The character for "treasure" in Chinese, traditionally written as "寶", originates from a composite ideogram combining the roof radical "宀" with symbols for valuable items: "玉" meaning jade and "貝" representing cowrie shells once used as money, thus depicting wealth protected under a shelter. Its simplified counterpart "宝" retains the roof but condenses the lower elements to just "玉", emphasizing jade as a stand-in for all precious things. Throughout its history, the character's fundamental sense of denoting something of great worth has persisted, though its application has extended metaphorically to encompass cherished ideals or beloved individuals beyond material riches.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
宝宝在玩球。
这是我的宝贝书。
宝贵的时间不能浪费。
她喜欢收集宝石。
大学是知识宝库。
宝座上的皇帝很年轻。
这把宝剑历史悠久。
保护这些宝物是我们的使命。