Korean word

보물

Pronunciation

Romanizationpomul

Meaning

  • nountreasure

Example

어릴 때부터 모은 인형이 내 보물이야.eo ril ttae bu teo mo eun in hyeong i nae po mu ri ya

The dolls I've collected since I was little are my treasure.

Illustration for 보물 (treasure)

More examples

그 유물은 박물관의 보물로 보존되었다.keu yu mu reun pang mul gwa nui po mul lo po jon doe eot tta

The artifact was preserved as a museum treasure.

Core concept

Something valued so deeply that losing it would feel especially painful, whether it is an object or a person.

Common phrases

  • 보물로 여기다po mul lo yeo gi da

    regard as a treasure

  • 보물을 간직하다po mu reul kan ji ka da

    cherish as a treasure

Similar words

소중한 것sojunghan keot: Anything held dear as an important part of everyday life.
소중한 사람sojunghan saram: A person cherished with deep affection and lasting care.
귀중품kwijungpum: A valuable item kept safe because it may be costly to replace.

Definition in Korean

아주 소중해서 잃어버리면 안 된다고 여기는 물건이나 사람을 가리키는 말a ju so jung hae seo i reo beo ri myeon an toen da go yeo gi neun mul geo ni na sa ra meul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

보물 (bomul, "treasure") comes from Sino-Korean 보 (bo, "treasure") plus 물 (mul, "thing"), originally referring to a valuable possession.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the usual picture of gold or jewels, this word often describes a cherished keepsake or loved one in warm everyday speech.

Opposites

  • 무가치mugachiworthlessnessnoun

Related words

  • 보물찾기pomulchatkkitreasure huntnoun
  • 보물지도pomuljidotreasure mapnoun

Word lists with this word