Chinese word

贵

Pronunciation

Pinyinguì

Meaning

  • adjectiveexpensive

Example

这家饭店的菜太贵了。zhè jiā fàn diàn de cài tài guì le

The food at this restaurant is too expensive.

Illustration for 贵 (expensive)

More examples

这双鞋子有点儿贵，可以便宜点儿吗？zhè shuāng xié zi yóu diǎnr guì ké yǐ pián yi diǎnr ma

These shoes are a little expensive; can they be a little cheaper?

Core concept

Something held high in value: it may cost a lot, be precious, or show respect for a person.

Common phrases

  • 贵吗guì ma

    expensive?

  • 有点儿贵yóu diǎnr guì

    a little expensive

  • 不太贵bú tài guì

    not very expensive

Similar words

便宜pián yi: Having a low price, so buying or using it costs little.

Definition in Chinese

价值高，常用于表示物品或服务的价格高，也可指事物珍贵或对人的尊称。jià zhí gāo cháng yòng yú biǎo shì wù pǐn huò fú wù de jià gé gāo yě kě zhǐ shì wù zhēn guì huò duì rén de zūn chēng

Word origin

贵 (guì, "valuable") developed from an idea of high worth and rank, which extended to high prices, precious things, and respectful language.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear your as ownership, but in 贵姓 (guìxìng, "honored surname") the word politely shows respect and does not say that a surname costs a lot.

Other meanings

  • preciousadjective
  • youradjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word