zan1 gwai3珍貴珍贵
Jyutpingzan1 gwai3
Yalejān gwai
Definition
Valuable; precious; of great worth.
neutraldescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Focuses on the emotional or sentimental significance of something rather than its monetary price. It is frequently used to describe abstract concepts like time, memories, or relationships. While it can describe physical objects, it implies that the object is irreplaceable to the owner.
Examples
This gift is very precious, you should keep it safe.
The time we spend together is precious, don't waste it.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe expensive luxury goods, as it sounds unnatural; use 貴 or 昂貴 instead when talking about high market prices.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
