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).
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.
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`.