珍

珎

zhēn

㐱 + 王

Definitions

zhēn (adjective) precious; valuable; rare

zhēn (noun) treasure; precious thing

zhēn (verb) to value highly

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 玉 represents the meaning and 㐱 represents the sound.

Semantic: 王 Phonetic: 彡

About

The character 珍 conveys preciousness, rarity, or high value. It features the semantic jade radical 王 on the left, a structural variation of 玉 used in this position. The right component, 㐱, serves as the phonetic element and visually suggests thick hair, but the semantic weight lies with the jade radical. This association reflects jade's historical significance as a symbol of wealth, beauty, and status. Thus, 珍 encompasses meanings such as rare treasures, valuable artifacts, exquisite delicacies, and the act of cherishing something deeply due to its unique qualities.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一件珍贵的礼物。

Zhè shì yī jiàn zhēnguì de lǐwù.

This is a precious gift.

珍惜时间很重要。

Zhēnxī shíjiān hěn zhòngyào.

Cherishing time is very important.

她戴着一串珍珠项链。

Tā dàizhe yī chuàn zhēnzhū xiàngliàn.

She is wearing a pearl necklace.

他珍藏了很多老照片。

Tā zhēncángle hěn duō lǎo zhàopiàn.

He has collected many old photos.

这本书值得珍藏，因为它很有意义。

Zhè běn shū zhídé zhēncáng, yīnwèi tā hěn yǒu yìyì.

This book is worth collecting because it is very meaningful.

我们应该珍视彼此的友谊。

Wǒmen yīnggāi zhēnshì bǐcǐ de yǒuyì.

We should value each other's friendship.

在博物馆里，珍藏着许多历史文物。

Zài bówùguǎn lǐ, zhēncángzhe xǔduō lìshǐ wénwù.

In the museum, many historical artifacts are collected.

他对这份珍贵的记忆始终念念不忘。

Tā duì zhè fèn zhēnguì de jìyì shǐzhōng niànniàn bù wàng.

He always remembers this precious memory.

Related Characters

Component: 㐱

Component: 王

珍