可贵

kěguì: 可贵 - Valuable, Precious, Praiseworthy

Quick Summary

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  • Summary: Discover the deep meaning of 可贵 (kěguì), a Chinese adjective used to describe something as valuable or precious, especially in a non-material, praiseworthy sense. Unlike words for monetary value, `kěguì` is used for admirable qualities, rare opportunities, and cherished friendships, highlighting things that are not just valuable, but worthy of admiration and respect in Chinese culture.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): kěguì
  • Part of Speech: Adjective
  • HSK Level: HSK 5
  • Concise Definition: Describing something as valuable and praiseworthy, especially an intangible quality or spirit.
  • In a Nutshell: `可贵` isn't used for a fancy car or an expensive watch. Think of it as “praiseworthily precious.” It's the word you use to describe things that money can't buy: the courage of a firefighter, the unwavering honesty of a friend, or the simple spirit of perseverance. It carries a sense of admiration for something that is both rare and morally commendable.

Character Breakdown

  • 可 (kě): This character often acts as a prefix meaning “able to be” or “-worthy.” You see it in words like `可爱 (kě'ài)` (lovable, or “worthy of love”) and `可靠 (kěkào)` (reliable, or “worthy of reliance”).
  • 贵 (guì): This character's primary meaning is “expensive” or “noble.” It refers to high value, whether in price or social standing.
  • Together: `可 (kě)` + `贵 (guì)` literally translates to “worthy of being considered expensive/noble.” This combination elevates the meaning from simple monetary cost to a higher, more abstract sense of value. Something is `可贵` because its rarity and quality make it worthy of being cherished and praised.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on cultivating virtues and admirable character traits. `可贵` is a key term used to acknowledge and praise these inner qualities. It's frequently used to commend virtues aligned with traditional values, such as integrity (诚实), perseverance (坚持), and selflessness (无私).
  • Comparison with “Valuable”: In English, we might say, “Honesty is a valuable quality.” While this is correct, it can sound a bit transactional. In Chinese, saying “诚实是一种可贵的品质” (Chéngshí shì yī zhǒng kěguì de pǐnzhì) carries a much deeper weight. It implies that honesty is not just useful, but a rare and admirable trait that should be cherished and celebrated. It attaches a moral and emotional significance that the English word “valuable” often lacks. It's less about an asset and more about a virtue.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • `可贵` carries a slightly formal and sincere tone. It's not typically used in very casual, slangy conversation. You'll hear it in thoughtful discussions, formal speeches, written articles, and when giving a sincere compliment about someone's character.
  • Praising a Person's Character: This is the most common usage. It's used to describe someone's spirit, courage, attitude, or a specific positive trait.
    • “His spirit of never giving up is so admirable.”
  • Describing an Experience or Opportunity: It can be used to emphasize the value of a non-material gain, like a lesson learned or a unique chance.
    • “This internship was a precious learning opportunity.”
  • Expressing the Value of Relationships: It's perfect for describing deep, sincere friendships or family bonds.
    • “The friendship between us is truly precious.”

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 这种不放弃的精神非常可贵。
    • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng bù fàngqì de jīngshén fēicháng kěguì.
    • English: This spirit of never giving up is extremely praiseworthy.
    • Analysis: This is a classic example of using `可贵` to describe an admirable, intangible quality (`精神`, jīngshén).
  • Example 2:
    • 在现代社会，诚实是一种可贵的品质。
    • Pinyin: Zài xiàndài shèhuì, chéngshí shì yī zhǒng kěguì de pǐnzhì.
    • English: In modern society, honesty is a precious and commendable quality.
    • Analysis: Here, `可贵` highlights the rarity and moral value of a character trait (`品质`, pǐnzhì) in a specific context.
  • Example 3:
    • 他最可贵的地方是永远对人那么真诚。
    • Pinyin: Tā zuì kěguì de dìfāng shì yǒngyuǎn duì rén nàme zhēnchéng.
    • English: The most admirable thing about him is that he is always so sincere with people.
    • Analysis: `最可贵的地方` (zuì kěguì de dìfāng) is a common pattern meaning “the most praiseworthy/precious aspect of…”
  • Example 4:
    • 我们之间有着可贵的友谊。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen zhī jiān yǒuzhe kěguì de yǒuyì.
    • English: We share a precious friendship.
    • Analysis: This sentence elevates the friendship beyond being just “good.” `可贵` implies it's deep, sincere, and should be cherished.
  • Example 5:
    • 这是一次可贵的学习机会，你一定要抓住。
    • Pinyin: Zhè shì yī cì kěguì de xuéxí jīhuì, nǐ yīdìng yào zhuā zhù.
    • English: This is a valuable learning opportunity; you must seize it.
    • Analysis: While the opportunity itself might not be a moral virtue, its value is seen as rare and highly beneficial, making `可贵` appropriate.
  • Example 6:
    • 失败的经验也是可贵的财富。
    • Pinyin: Shībài de jīngyàn yěshì kěguì de cáifù.
    • English: The experience of failure is also a precious asset.
    • Analysis: This sentence uses `可贵` to describe the non-monetary value of an experience, framing it as a type of “wealth” (`财富`, cáifù).
  • Example 7:
    • 您的建议非常可贵，我们会认真考虑。
    • Pinyin: Nín de jiànyì fēicháng kěguì, wǒmen huì rènzhēn kǎolǜ.
    • English: Your suggestion is very valuable, and we will consider it seriously.
    • Analysis: Used in a formal or business context, this shows great respect. It implies the suggestion is not just “good” but insightful and highly appreciated.
  • Example 8:
    • 孩子天真的想法是很可贵的。
    • Pinyin: Háizi tiānzhēn de xiǎngfǎ shì hěn kěguì de.
    • English: A child's innocent ideas are very precious.
    • Analysis: `可贵` is used here to describe something (innocence) that is pure, rare, and should be protected and valued.
  • Example 9:
    • 经过这次灾难，我们才明白生命是多么可贵。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò zhè cì zāinàn, wǒmen cái míngbái shēngmìng shì duōme kěguì.
    • English: Only after this disaster did we understand how precious life is.
    • Analysis: While `宝贵` is more common for “life,” `可贵` can be used here to emphasize the profound, almost spiritual value of life that one should be grateful for.
  • Example 10:
    • 他身上有一种可贵的幽默感，总能让大家开心。
    • Pinyin: Tā shēnshang yǒuyī zhǒng kěguì de yōumò gǎn, zǒng néng ràng dàjiā kāixīn.
    • English: He has an admirable sense of humor that can always make everyone happy.
    • Analysis: This shows that `可贵` isn't just for heavy virtues. It can describe any positive quality that is rare and has a wonderful effect on others.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • `可贵 (kěguì)` vs. `宝贵 (bǎoguì)`: This is the most common point of confusion.
    • `可贵 (kěguì)` emphasizes the praiseworthy nature of something, usually abstract qualities, spirits, or friendships. It's about moral or spiritual value.
    • `宝贵 (bǎoguì)` emphasizes the scarcity and importance of something, often tangible or finite resources like time (`宝贵的时间`), life (`宝贵的生命`), or data. It's about something you can't afford to waste.
    • Incorrect Usage: 这块手表很可贵。 (This watch is praiseworthy.)
    • Correct Usage: 这块手表很贵 (guì). (This watch is expensive.) OR 这块手表很宝贵 (bǎoguì). (This watch is precious, e.g., a family heirloom).
    • Correct Usage: 他乐于助人的精神很可贵。 (His spirit of being happy to help others is admirable/praiseworthy.) Using `宝贵` here would sound a bit strange, as the focus is on the virtue, not its scarcity.
  • `可贵 (kěguì)` vs. `贵 (guì)`:
    • `贵 (guì)` almost always refers to high monetary price. Don't use `可贵` to say something is expensive.
    • Incorrect: 这件衣服太可贵了，我买不起。
    • Correct: 这件衣服太贵了，我买不起。 (This piece of clothing is too expensive, I can't afford it.)

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 宝贵 (bǎoguì) - A close synonym, but one that emphasizes scarcity and importance, often for time, life, and resources, rather than the praiseworthy nature of a quality.
  • 珍贵 (zhēnguì) - Precious, valuable, and rare. Often used for concrete objects like gems, antiques, or cherished mementos.
  • 贵 (guì) - The root character, simply meaning “expensive” in a monetary sense.
  • 难得 (nándé) - Rare, hard to come by. Something that is `难得` is often also `可贵`. A rare opportunity (`难得的机会`) is also a precious one (`可贵的机会`).
  • 值得 (zhídé) - To be worth (doing something). While `可贵` is an adjective describing a quality's value, `值得` is a verb about an action's value. His spirit is `可贵` (praiseworthy), so it is `值得` we learn from it.
  • 品质 (pǐnzhì) - A noun for “quality” or “character.” `可贵` is an adjective frequently used to modify `品质`.
  • 精神 (jīngshén) - A noun for “spirit” or “mentality.” `可贵` is one of the most common adjectives used to describe a positive `精神`.