Japanese word

貴重

Pronunciation

Romajikichō

Meaning

  • na-adjectivevaluable

Example

この情報は貴重です。ko no jō hō wa ki chō de su

This information is valuable.

Illustration for 貴重 (valuable)

More examples

昔の手紙は今でも貴重だと思います。mukashi no te gami wa ima de mo ki chō da to omo i ma su

I think old letters are still valuable.

Core concept

Presents something as worth protecting or keeping because it has great value, importance, or rarity.

Common phrases

  • 貴重な経験ki chō na kei ken

    valuable experience

  • 貴重な情報ki chō na jō hō

    valuable information

  • 貴重な時間ki chō na ji kan

    valuable time

Similar words

大事daiji: Important or dear and deserving careful treatment.
重要jūyō: Having a major effect on a matter or being necessary for its purpose.
希少kishō: Rare because only a small amount or number exists.

Definition in Japanese

価値や重要性が高く、失ったり逃したりすると代わりを得にくいさま。ka chi ya jū yō sei ga taka ku ushina tta ri noga shi ta ri su ru to ka wa ri o e ni ku i sa ma

Word origin

貴重 (kichō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 貴 (ki, "valuable") and 重 (chō, "heavy" or "important"), expressing a high degree of value.

Usage tips

  • 貴重 (kichō) often appears with everyday nouns such as 情報 (jōhō, "information"), 時間 (jikan, "time"), and 機会 (kikai, "opportunity"), not only with expensive items.

Other meanings

  • preciousna-adjective

Opposites

  • 無価値mukachiworthlessna-adjective

Related words

  • 貴重さkichōsavaluenoun

Word lists with this word