About
贵 (traditional 貴) is a phonosemantic compound. The bottom radical 贝 (貝) is a cowrie shell, which served as early Chinese currency and therefore indicates wealth and value. The top is a simplified form of the phonetic 㬰 (a variant of 臾). The character's original meaning was 'expensive, costly, precious'. Over time, it extended figuratively to high social status, nobility, and honor. Today it is frequently used as a polite prefix when referring to others' belongings, affiliations, or personal attributes.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个东西太贵了。
贵公司很有名。
这次旅行费用不贵。
贵重物品请保管好。
他是我们学校的贵宾。
这款手表价格昂贵。
贵国文化历史悠久。
在贵地居住非常舒适。
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