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

珍 is a phonosemantic compound: the jade radical 王 (a left-side form of 玉) gives the meaning, and 㐱 (zhēn) provides the sound. The component 㐱 originally depicted thick hair but functions here purely as a phonetic marker. In ancient China, jade was revered as the ultimate symbol of wealth, beauty, and status, so the radical conveys preciousness and rarity. The character's meanings include rare treasures, fine artifacts, delicacies, and the verb "to cherish".

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

诊 趁 疹 畛 胗 轸 診 殄 袗 紾 眕 昣 曑 沴

Component: 王

现 理 全 金 望 球 环 皇 班 玉 弄 玩 狂 玛

Example Words

珍惜 珍爱 珍珠 珍藏 珍贵 珍重 八珍汤 奇珍 奇珍异宝 如数家珍 李时珍 永珍 珍品 珍奇 珍宝 珍珠母 珍珠港 珍稀 珍视 珍馐 维珍 袖珍 贺子珍 赛珍珠