zan1 bun2珍本
Jyutpingzan1 bun2
Yalejān bún
Definition
A rare and precious book or piece of literature.
writtenschool
How it's used
Refers specifically to books or documents of high historical or cultural value that are difficult to obtain. It is a formal term often found in academic or library contexts rather than casual conversation. When discussing general old books that are not necessarily rare or precious, use 舊書 instead.
Measure word
bun2本búnExamples
This library houses many rare books.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general old books. Remember that it implies rarity and high value, so it is not appropriate for describing everyday used books found in a second hand shop.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
