Meaning and Usage
The word 貴重 (きちょう) means "precious" or "valuable." It is often used to describe things that are rare, important, or worthy of respect and careful treatment. This can refer to physical objects, time, memories, or information.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 貴重 used when talking about memories, time, or information that should not be wasted or lost. It conveys a sense of importance and respect.
Collocations and Patterns
- 貴重な時間 (きちょうなじかん): precious time — emphasizes the importance of time and the need to use it wisely.
- 貴重な経験 (きちょうなけいけん): valuable experience — highlights the significance of an experience.
- 貴重な資料 (きちょうなしりょう): valuable materials/documents — used in academic or professional contexts.
Register and Nuance
貴重 is a polite and somewhat formal word, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It is not casual, so it fits well in business, academic, or respectful personal conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 貴重 with 高価 (こうか), which means "expensive." 貴重 focuses on value and importance, not price. For example, a memory can be 貴重 but not 高価.