gwai3 zung6貴重贵重
Jyutpinggwai3 zung6
Yalegwai juhng
Definition
Valuable, precious, and highly important.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
While often used for physical items, this word carries a strong sense of emotional weight or rarity. It is frequently applied to abstract concepts like time, friendship, or opportunities to emphasize that they cannot be easily replaced. Unlike 貴 which simply denotes a high monetary price, this implies a deeper level of significance or sentiment.
Examples
This gift is very precious, you should keep it safe.
It is a truly precious gesture that you are willing to make time to come over.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe everyday expensive items like a luxury handbag or a fancy car, as those are better described simply as 貴 or 名貴. Using this for mundane items makes the speaker sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
