====== kěguì: 可贵 - Valuable, Precious, Praiseworthy ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** 可贵, kěguì, meaning of kegui, Chinese for valuable, Chinese for precious, praiseworthy in Chinese, Chinese adjective for spirit, kegui vs baogui, what does kegui mean, Chinese word for admirable quality
  * **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`.