Definitions

zhēn (adjective) precious; valuable; rare
zhēn (noun) treasure; precious thing
zhēn (verb) to value highly

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 珍 is structured with the semantic component 玉, denoting jade or precious stone, and the phonetic component 㐱. Its early usage referred specifically to rare jade or valuable treasures, directly aligned with its jade radical. The meaning later extended beyond physical objects to encompass anything considered precious or worthy of high regard, thereby entering compounds related to value, rarity, and the act of cherishing.

Example Sentences Hide

这是一件贵的礼物。

Zhè shì yī jiàn zhēnguì de lǐwù.

This is a precious gift.

惜时间很重要。

Zhēnxī shíjiān hěn zhòngyào.

Cherishing time is very important.

她戴着一串珠项链。

Tā dàizhe yī chuàn zhēnzhū xiàngliàn.

She is wearing a pearl necklace.

藏了很多老照片。

Tā zhēncángle hěn duō lǎo zhàopiàn.

He has collected many old photos.

这本书值得藏,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.

我们应该视彼此的友谊。

Wǒmen yīnggāi zhēnshì bǐcǐ de yǒuyì.

We should value each other's friendship.

在博物馆里,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.