Definitions

bǎo (noun,adjective) treasure; precious; valuable
bǎo (noun) jewel; gem

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts an assortment of valuable things, such as jade (), being stored safely under a roof ().

About

The character "宝", traditionally written as "寶", etymologically combines the radical "宀" representing a roof with "玉" for jade and "貝" for cowrie shells, both symbols of material value, to denote precious objects stored securely. Initially referring to concrete valuables such as jade and monetary shells, its meaning gradually extended to encompass anything held in high esteem, including metaphorical treasures and affectionate terms for loved ones. The simplified form "宝" retains the roof and jade components, reflecting a condensed representation of the original concept while continuing to convey the idea of preciousness.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Western Zhou (1045-771 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

在玩球。

Bǎobao zài wán qiú.

The baby is playing with a ball.

这是我的贝书。

Zhè shì wǒ de bǎobèi shū.

This is my precious book.

贵的时间不能浪费。

Bǎoguì de shíjiān bùnéng làngfèi.

Precious time cannot be wasted.

她喜欢收集石。

Tā xǐhuān shōují bǎoshí.

She likes collecting gemstones.

大学是知识库。

Dàxué shì zhīshì bǎokù.

University is a treasure trove of knowledge.

座上的皇帝很年轻。

Bǎozuò shàng de huángdì hěn niánqīng.

The emperor on the throne is very young.

这把剑历史悠久。

Zhè bǎ bǎojiàn lìshǐ yōujiǔ.

This treasured sword has a long history.

保护这些物是我们的使命。

Bǎohù zhèxiē bǎowù shì wǒmen de shǐmìng.

Protecting these treasures is our mission.