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B1 adjective #1,800 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

貴重

kicho Top 1,800

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 貴重 en 30 secondes

Explication 貴重 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use 'kichou' very often, as it is a bit more advanced than words like 'suki' (like) or 'ii' (good). However, you can understand it as a special way to say 'very, very important' or 'special.' Think of it as a word for things you want to keep safe, like your wallet or a special gift. At this stage, just remember the phrase 'Kichouhin' (valuables) because you will see it on signs in Japan. If you see a sign with '貴重' at a pool or a park, it means 'Watch your stuff!' It's a useful word to recognize for your safety and to understand that some things are more than just 'important'—they are special and rare.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'kichou' to describe experiences or things that don't happen every day. While you might usually use 'taisetsu' (important), 'kichou' adds a feeling of 'this is a rare chance.' For example, if you meet a famous person or go on a big trip, you can say it was a 'kichou na taiken' (precious experience). You should also know that it is a na-adjective, so you say 'kichou na [noun].' It's a great word to use when you want to thank someone for their time in a slightly more polite way than a beginner would. It shows you are starting to understand the value of things in Japanese culture.

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At the B1 level, 'kichou' becomes a key part of your vocabulary for both daily life and professional settings. You should distinguish it from 'taisetsu' (emotional importance) and 'juuyou' (functional importance). B1 learners use 'kichou' to express gratitude for advice (kichou na goken) or time (kichou na jikan). You understand that 'kichou' implies scarcity—it's not just that something is good, but that it is hard to replace. This is also the level where you use 'kichouhin' naturally when asking where to put your bags. You are moving beyond basic adjectives and using words that convey specific nuances of value and rarity.

At the B2 level, you use 'kichou' with precision in various contexts, including business, academics, and formal social situations. You understand that 'kichou' can modify abstract concepts like 'data' or 'resources.' You can use it to argue why a certain historical site should be protected or why a specific piece of evidence is crucial for a theory. You are also aware of the adverbial and noun-combining forms. You might use it in a speech to emphasize the 'preciousness' of a moment. Your understanding includes the cultural weight of the word—how it reflects a respect for limited resources and the effort of others.

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At the C1 level, you recognize the subtle differences between 'kichou,' 'kishou,' and 'tootoi.' You can use 'kichou' in nuanced discussions about economics (rarity value), environmentalism (precious ecosystems), or philosophy (the preciousness of life). You use the word to add gravity to your statements. In professional writing, you use 'kichou' to acknowledge the contributions of others with high-level politeness. You can also identify when the word is being used ironically or for emphasis in literature. Your mastery allows you to use it naturally in complex sentence structures without hesitating on the 'na' or 'da' particles.

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At the C2 level, 'kichou' is a tool for stylistic expression. You understand its historical roots and how it has been used in classical and modern literature. You can discuss the 'kichou-sei' (preciousness/rarity) of an object in a technical or philosophical manner. You use it effortlessly in high-stakes negotiations or academic defenses to highlight the unique value of your proposition or findings. You are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing exactly when it sounds too formal or perfectly appropriate. For a C2 learner, 'kichou' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a concept that you can manipulate to convey deep respect and precise valuation.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

貴重 en 30 secondes

Kichou means valuable or precious, emphasizing rarity and the importance of not wasting the item or experience.
It is a na-adjective (貴重な) used for time, experiences, advice, and physical valuables (貴重品).
Unlike 'taisetsu' (emotional), 'kichou' is more objective and formal, often used in business or academic settings.
Commonly seen on signs for 'valuables' in Japan, it is a key word for both polite conversation and daily life.

The Japanese word 貴重 (きちょう - kichou) is a powerful na-adjective that encapsulates the essence of high value, rarity, and significance. At its core, it refers to things that are not easily replaced or should be handled with extreme care because of their inherent worth. Unlike simple 'importance,' 貴重 carries a weight of scarcity. When you call something 貴重, you are acknowledging that it is a limited resource—be it time, a rare opportunity, or a physical treasure. The first kanji, 貴 (ki), represents nobility, honor, or high price, while the second kanji, 重 (chou/juu), signifies weight or importance. Together, they create a concept of 'heavy nobility' or 'weighted value.'

Etymological Root: The kanji 貴 features the 'shell' radical (貝), which historically represented currency in ancient East Asia, combined with a phonetic component suggesting height or status. This links the word directly to economic and social value.

留学生活は私にとって非常に貴重な体験でした。(Studying abroad was a very precious experience for me.)

In a broader sense, 貴重 is used to describe abstract concepts like 'valuable advice' (貴重な助言) or 'precious time' (貴重な時間). It is the standard term used in public spaces to refer to 'valuables' like wallets and jewelry, often seen on signs as 貴重品 (kichouhin). The word implies a level of respect toward the object or experience in question. If someone gives you their time, calling it 貴重 shows you recognize they could have spent it elsewhere. It is a word of gratitude as much as it is a word of description.

Semantic Nuance: It specifically highlights the 'rarity' aspect. While 'taisetsu' is emotional, 'kichou' is objective and evaluative.

この博物館には貴重な資料がたくさんあります。(This museum has many valuable documents.)

Using 貴重 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a na-adjective. This means it follows the pattern: [Noun] + は + 貴重だ (The noun is valuable) or 貴重な + [Noun] (A valuable noun). It is rarely used as a standalone exclamation like 'Precious!' in English; instead, it almost always modifies a noun or functions as a predicate. In formal writing, you might see the adverbial form 貴重に (kichou ni), though it is less common than the adjectival form.

Common Collocations: 貴重な体験 (Precious experience), 貴重な時間 (Valuable time), 貴重な意見 (Valuable opinion), 貴重な資料 (Valuable materials/data).

お忙しい中、貴重なお時間をいただきありがとうございます。(Thank you for giving me your valuable time despite your busy schedule.)

One of the most frequent uses is in the phrase 貴重品 (kichouhin), which refers to 'valuables.' You will see this at gym lockers, hotel front desks, and public baths. The sign will usually say '貴重品は受付にお預けください' (Please leave your valuables at the reception). In this context, it covers items like cash, passports, and jewelry. When using it to describe people, be careful; calling a person 'kichou' is rare and usually refers to their rarity as a talent (e.g., 貴重な人材 - a valuable/rare human resource) rather than a personal sentiment of affection.

Degrees of Value: You can intensify it with 'taihen' (extremely) or 'hijou ni' (very) to emphasize just how rare or important something is.

これは世界に数点しかない、極めて貴重な切手です。(This is an extremely rare stamp, with only a few existing in the world.)

You will encounter 貴重 in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly academic. In daily life, it is most visible in the form of '貴重品' (kichouhin) signs. If you are at a Japanese hot spring (onsen) or a sports gym, you will inevitably see a '貴重品ロッカー' (valuables locker). This is a practical, everyday application of the word that every traveler and resident should know.

In the Workplace: During meetings, it is polite to thank someone for their 'kichou na goken' (valuable opinion). It shows professional respect.

皆様の貴重なご意見を参考にさせていただきます。(We will use your valuable opinions as a reference.)

In the media, documentaries often use 貴重 when discussing endangered species, historical artifacts, or rare footage. You might hear a narrator say, 'これは大変貴重な映像です' (This is extremely rare/valuable footage). In academic settings, researchers refer to '貴重書' (kichousho) or rare books that are kept in special collections. Even in sports, a commentator might describe a '貴重な追加点' (a precious/valuable additional point) in a close game, emphasizing that the point was hard-won and crucial for victory.

絶滅危惧種の貴重な生態が明らかになった。(The precious ecology of an endangered species has been revealed.)

The most common mistake learners make is confusing 貴重 (kichou) with 大切 (taisetsu) or 重要 (juuyou). While all three translate to 'important' in some contexts, their nuances are distinct. 大切 is subjective and emotional; your childhood teddy bear is taisetsu to you, but it might not be kichou (valuable/rare) to the rest of the world. 重要 is functional and systemic; a 'juuyou' document is one that is necessary for a process to work, but it might not be 'kichou' (precious/rare).

Kichou vs. Taisetsu: Use 'kichou' for things that are objectively rare or high-value. Use 'taisetsu' for things you personally care about.

× 彼は私にとって貴重な友達です。(He is a rare/valuable friend to me - sounds a bit robotic/calculating.)
○ 彼は私にとって大切な友達です。(He is a dear/important friend.)

Another mistake is using 貴重 for things that are merely 'useful' (benri). Just because a tool is helpful doesn't make it 貴重. It must have a sense of being 'hard to come by.' Furthermore, avoid using it for negative things. You wouldn't say a 'precious mistake' unless you are being highly philosophical about the learning value of that mistake. Lastly, remember the 'na'—forgetting it is a frequent error for beginners transitioning from i-adjectives.

To truly master 貴重, you should understand its relationship with other words in the 'value' family. Japanese has many specific terms for different types of importance. By comparing these, you can choose the most precise word for your situation.

Comparison Table

貴重 (Kichou): Precious/Rare. Focus on scarcity and high objective value.
希少 (Kishou): Scarce/Rare. More technical/scientific, used for rare metals or rare species.
宝物 (Takaramono): Treasure. A noun for physical or metaphorical treasures.
尊い (Tootoi): Noble/Sacred. High spiritual or moral value.

このコインは非常に希少価値が高い。(This coin has very high rarity value.)

While 貴重 and 希少 (kishou) both mean rare, 貴重 emphasizes the value that comes from rarity, whereas 希少 focuses on the statistical scarcity itself. For example, a 'rare disease' is 希少疾患, not 貴重疾患, because the disease isn't 'valuable.' Conversely, a 'valuable experience' is 貴重な体験 because you gain something from it. Understanding this distinction prevents you from accidentally calling something negative 'valuable.'

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Na-adjective modifiers

Keigo (Honorifics)

Noun nominalization

Adverbial forms

Comparison structures

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Exemples par niveau

これは貴重な本です。

This is a precious book.

貴重な (na-adjective) + Noun

貴重品はどこですか？

Where are the valuables?

貴重品 (Noun) meaning valuables.

時間は貴重です。

Time is precious.

Noun + は + 貴重 (adjective) + です.

貴重な写真を見ました。

I saw a precious photo.

貴重な modifying the noun photo.

水は貴重なものです。

Water is a precious thing.

Focus on the 'na mono' structure.

貴重な休みを楽しみます。

I enjoy my precious day off.

Using 'kichou' to describe limited time.

このメダルは貴重です。

This medal is precious.

Simple predicate usage.

貴重なプレゼントをもらいました。

I received a precious present.

Expressing value of a gift.

日本で貴重な体験をしました。

I had a precious experience in Japan.

貴重な体験 is a very common set phrase.

貴重品をロッカーに入れてください。

Please put your valuables in the locker.

Imperative sentence with 'kudasai'.

先生から貴重な話を聞きました。

I heard a valuable talk from the teacher.

Using 'kichou' for information/talk.

これは貴重なチャンスです。

This is a precious chance.

Using 'kichou' for opportunities.

貴重な時間を無駄にしないでください。

Please don't waste precious time.

Negative imperative 'shinaide kudasai'.

古い、貴重なカメラを買いました。

I bought an old, precious camera.

Multiple adjectives modifying a noun.

貴重な意見をありがとうございます。

Thank you for your valuable opinion.

Polite gratitude.

この植物はとても貴重です。

This plant is very precious/rare.

Adverb 'totemo' intensifying the adjective.

お忙しいところ、貴重なお時間をいただき感謝しております。

I am grateful for your valuable time despite your busy schedule.

Standard formal business greeting.

この資料は歴史的に見て非常に貴重なものです。

This document is extremely valuable from a historical perspective.

Using 'rekishiteki ni mite' (historically speaking).

留学は、人生において貴重な財産になります。

Studying abroad becomes a precious asset in one's life.

Metaphorical use of 'zaisan' (asset/property).

貴重品管理には十分注意してください。

Please be very careful with the management of valuables.

Compound noun 'kichouhin kanri'.

彼はチームにとって貴重な戦力だ。

He is a valuable asset/strength to the team.

Using 'senryoku' (fighting strength/asset) for people.

その失敗は、私にとって貴重な教訓となった。

That failure became a valuable lesson for me.

Lesson (kyoukun) as something valuable.

貴重な野生動物を守らなければなりません。

We must protect precious wild animals.

Must (nakereba narimasen) structure.

この村には貴重な伝統が残っている。

Precious traditions remain in this village.

Intransitive verb 'nokotte iru'.

専門家から貴重な助言を仰ぐことができた。

I was able to seek valuable advice from an expert.

Formal verb 'augu' (to seek/look up to).

失われた時間は、どんなに大金を払っても取り戻せない貴重なものだ。

Lost time is a precious thing that cannot be recovered no matter how much money you pay.

Conditional 'temo' (no matter how).

貴重な文化遺産を次世代に引き継ぐ責任がある。

We have a responsibility to pass on precious cultural heritage to the next generation.

Responsibility (sekinin) + verb phrase.

この実験データは、今後の研究において極めて貴重だ。

This experimental data is extremely valuable for future research.

Adverb 'kiwamete' (extremely).

貴重なご指摘をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。

Thank you very much for your valuable feedback/pointing that out.

Keigo (honorific) 'go-shiteki'.

それは滅多にない貴重な機会だったので、迷わず参加した。

Since it was a rare and precious opportunity, I joined without hesitation.

Metta ni nai (rarely happens) + kichou.

貴重な資源を効率的に活用する技術が求められている。

Technology to efficiently utilize precious resources is in demand.

Passive 'motomerarete iru'.

彼のコレクションには、世界的に貴重な切手が多数含まれている。

His collection includes many stamps that are valuable on a global scale.

Adverbial 'sekaiteki ni' (globally).

この古文書は、当時の社会情勢を知るための貴重な手がかりとなる。

This ancient document serves as a valuable clue to understanding the social conditions of that time.

Tame no (for the purpose of) + kichou.

民主主義という貴重な価値観を揺るがす事態となっている。

It has become a situation that shakes the precious values of democracy.

Abstract noun 'kachikan' (values).

限られた予算の中で、いかに貴重な人材を確保するかが課題だ。

The challenge is how to secure valuable human resources within a limited budget.

Interrogative 'ikani' (how).

その発見は、物理学の歴史を塗り替えるほど貴重なものだった。

The discovery was so valuable that it rewrote the history of physics.

Degree marker 'hodo' (to the extent of).

貴重な時間を割いてまで、なぜ彼を助けるのか。

Why do you go as far as to give up your precious time to help him?

Particle 'made' (even/to the extent of).

この地域には、独自の進化を遂げた貴重な生態系が存在する。

A precious ecosystem that has undergone unique evolution exists in this region.

Relative clause modifying 'seitaikei'.

先人の貴重な知恵を、現代の技術と融合させる。

Fusing the precious wisdom of our ancestors with modern technology.

Causative/Active 'yuugou saseru'.

貴重な証言が得られたことで、事件の真相解明が大きく前進した。

Obtaining valuable testimony has greatly advanced the clarification of the truth behind the incident.

Noun nominalization with 'koto'.

沈黙は時に、饒舌よりも貴重なメッセージを伝えることがある。

Silence sometimes conveys a more precious message than loquacity.

Comparison 'yori mo'.

この刹那の美しさこそが、人生における最も貴重な本質かもしれない。

This beauty of a fleeting moment might be the most precious essence of life.

Emphasis particle 'koso'.

学術的価値のみならず、審美的にも極めて貴重な逸品である。

It is an exquisite item that is extremely valuable not only academically but also aesthetically.

Structure 'nomi narazu' (not only).

貴重な一次史料の散逸を防ぐため、デジタルアーカイブ化が急務だ。

To prevent the dispersal of precious primary historical sources, digital archiving is an urgent task.

Compound 'ichiji shiryou' (primary sources).

その政治家は、党内でも貴重な良識派として知られている。

The politician is known as a valuable voice of reason within the party.

Noun 'ryoushikipa' (group of sensible people).

自然界の均衡を保つ上で、これら微小な生物も貴重な役割を担っている。

These tiny organisms also play a precious role in maintaining the balance of the natural world.

Verb '担っている' (to bear/play a role).

貴重な経験を糧にして、さらなる高みを目指す。

Using precious experience as nourishment, aim for even greater heights.

Metaphorical 'kate' (food/nourishment).

彼の言葉は、混迷を極める現代社会において貴重な指針となるだろう。

His words will likely serve as a valuable guide in today's extremely chaotic society.

Future conjecture 'darou'.

Synonymes

大切高価大事尊い

Antonymes

安価無価値つまらない

Collocations courantes

貴重な体験 (Precious experience)

貴重な時間 (Valuable time)

貴重な意見 (Valuable opinion)

貴重な資料 (Valuable materials)

貴重な財産 (Precious asset)

貴重な助言 (Valuable advice)

貴重な資源 (Precious resources)

貴重な人材 (Valuable personnel)

貴重な教訓 (Valuable lesson)

貴重な機会 (Precious opportunity)

Phrases Courantes

貴重品を預ける (To leave valuables)

貴重な時間を割く (To spare precious time)

貴重な一票 (A precious vote)

貴重な存在 (A precious existence)

貴重なデータ (Valuable data)

貴重な情報 (Valuable information)

貴重な思い出 (Precious memories)

貴重な一歩 (A precious step)

貴重な勝利 (A precious victory)

貴重な話 (A valuable talk)

Souvent confondu avec

貴重 vs 大切 (Taisetsu)

貴重 vs 重要 (Juuyou)

貴重 vs 希少 (Kishou)

Expressions idiomatiques

"寸陰を惜しむ (To grudge every moment - related to time being kichou)"

"一刻千金 (Every moment is worth a thousand pieces of gold)"

"猫に小判 (Giving gold coins to a cat - wasting something kichou)"

"豚に真珠 (Pearls before swine - wasting something kichou)"

"得難い機会 (A hard-to-get opportunity)"

"千載一遇 (A once-in-a-lifetime chance)"

"稀に見る (Rarely seen)"

"宝の持ち腐れ (A wasted treasure)"

"金に換えられない (Cannot be exchanged for money)"

"身を削る (To sacrifice oneself - often for something kichou)"

Facile à confondre

貴重 vs 希少

貴重 vs 重宝

貴重 vs 尊い

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Emphasizes rarity + value.

caution

Avoid using for people in a romantic sense; use 'taisetsu' instead.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'kichou jikan' instead of 'kichou na jikan'.
Using 'kichou' for a person you love (use 'taisetsu').
Using 'kichou' for something that is just 'useful' but not rare.
Confusing 'kichou' (precious) with 'kouchou' (principal).
Writing the kanji for 'juu' (重) incorrectly.

Astuces

Valuables Lockers

Always look for '貴重品' lockers at sento (public baths). They are usually free and small.

Thanking Clients

Start your emails with '貴重なお時間をいただき...' to show you respect their schedule.

Na-Adjective Rule

Always check if you need 'na' or 'da' after 'kichou' based on the sentence structure.

Kichou vs Kishou

Use 'Kichou' for things you like/value, and 'Kishou' for things that are just hard to find.

Politeness

Using 'kichou' makes you sound more educated and polite than using 'daiji'.

Essays

Use 'kichou na shiryou' when citing rare sources in your academic papers.

Announcements

If you hear 'kichouhin' in a train station, check your pockets!

Key + Chou

A 'Key' that is 'Chou' (Super) important. Key-Chou.

Kanji Roots

Remember the 'shell' radical in 貴 means money/value.

Gratitude

Tell your Japanese friends their advice was 'kichou' to make them feel respected.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexte culturel

Japan is safe, but 'Kichouhin' signs remind you that even in safety, value must be respected.

Always use 'kichou na o-jikan' when starting or ending a meeting with a superior.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"最近、何か貴重な体験をしましたか？"

"あなたにとって一番貴重なものは何ですか？"

"貴重な時間をどうやって使いたいですか？"

"日本で貴重な思い出は作れましたか？"

"この資料、すごく貴重だと思いませんか？"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a 'kichou na taiken' you had last year.

List three 'kichouhin' you would save in an emergency.

How do you manage your 'kichou na jikan'?

Describe a 'kichou na goken' you received from a mentor.

Reflect on why water is considered 'kichou' in some parts of the world.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It's better to use 'taisetsu' or 'itoshii.' 'Kichou' sounds like you are evaluating her as a rare specimen, which is a bit cold.

Yes, 'kichou' is significantly more formal and is preferred in business and academic writing.

It means 'valuables,' like your wallet, passport, or jewelry. You'll see this word on lockers.

Yes, it means a rare or valuable book, like a first edition or an ancient manuscript.

No, it is a na-adjective. You must say 'kichou na' when it comes before a noun.

Words like 'yasuppoi' (cheap-looking) or 'heibon' (ordinary) can be opposites depending on the context.

You say 'kichou na助言' (kichou na jogen) or 'kichou naご意見' (kichou na go-iken).

Usually no, unless you are talking about a 'valuable lesson' learned from a mistake.

It is 'Heiban' (flat), so try not to put stress on any specific syllable.

It describes a 'precious' goal or point that was hard to get and is very important for the win.

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