Explanation at your level:
This word means 'precious' or 'good.' You use it when you see something special. For example, a true friend is 可贵. It is a very nice word to use when you want to say 'thank you' for something important.
Use 可贵 to talk about good habits. If a student works hard, their hard work is 可贵. It means the behavior is rare and we should value it. It is a positive word for describing people.
In this level, you can use 可贵 to describe character traits like honesty or courage. It is often used in the phrase 难能可贵, which means that something is hard to do but someone did it anyway. It shows high respect.
At this stage, you understand that 可贵 is about intrinsic worth. It is used in formal writing to praise someone's contribution. It distinguishes between things that are merely 'expensive' and things that are 'admirable' or 'morally significant.'
Use 可贵 to discuss abstract concepts like 'the spirit of innovation' or 'the value of persistence.' It is often used in academic or professional settings to emphasize that a specific quality is the key to success. It adds a layer of depth to your critique.
At the mastery level, 可贵 is used to capture the nuance of 'moral rarity.' You might use it in literary analysis to describe a character's integrity in a corrupt world. It bridges the gap between material value and ethical excellence, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for virtue.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means precious or admirable
- Used for character and spirit
- Often used in the idiom 难能可贵
- Not for physical price
When we call something 可贵 (kě guì), we aren't just talking about money. We are talking about value in a moral or emotional sense.
Think of it as the 'gold standard' for human behavior. If someone stays kind even when they are treated badly, that is a 可贵 quality. It’s a word that carries a lot of respect and warmth.
You will often see this word used in speeches, literature, or when giving sincere compliments to friends. It highlights that what you are talking about is not common, which makes it even more beautiful.
The word 可贵 is a compound of two Chinese characters. 可 (kě) means 'can' or 'worth,' and 贵 (guì) means 'expensive' or 'precious.'
Historically, 贵 was used to describe items of high status, like jade or silk. Over time, the meaning shifted from just physical wealth to the 'wealth' of one's spirit or actions.
In classical Chinese texts, this term was often used to describe virtues like loyalty or filial piety. It has evolved into a modern adjective that keeps that ancient sense of high moral standing.
You use 可贵 when you want to praise someone's spirit or a specific action. It is very common to say 难能可贵 (nán néng kě guì), which means 'rare and commendable.'
It is generally used in positive contexts. You wouldn't usually use it to describe a physical object like a car, unless you are speaking metaphorically about how much that car meant to someone's survival.
It sits in a register that is slightly formal but very heartfelt. It is perfect for writing a thank-you note or giving a speech at a graduation.
1. 难能可贵: Rare and commendable; used to praise someone for achieving something difficult. 2. 可贵精神: A precious spirit; often used to describe dedication. 3. 极其可贵: Extremely valuable/admirable. 4. 十分可贵: Very precious. 5. 最为可贵: The most admirable part of all.
Pronounced as 'kuh' (third tone) and 'gway' (fourth tone). The stress is usually on the second character.
It functions as an adjective and can be placed before a noun or after a linking verb. It is a non-gradable adjective in some contexts, but often modified by adverbs like 非常 (very) or 极其 (extremely).
Rhymes in Chinese include 宝贝 (bǎo bèi) and 后退 (hòu tuì), though these are thematic rather than phonetic.
Fun Fact
The character 贵 was originally a picture of a basket of goods, representing wealth.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'kuh gway'
Sounds like 'kuh gway'
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the tones
- Slurring the 'k' sound
- Confusing with 'gui' (expensive)
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand
Needs context
Needs correct tone
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
他是可贵的。
Idiom structure
难能可贵
Subject-predicate
精神可贵
Examples by Level
你的友谊很可贵。
Your friendship is very precious.
Simple subject-verb-adjective structure
他的诚实非常可贵。
这种机会很可贵。
时间是可贵的。
你的建议很可贵。
这种精神很可贵。
那段经历很可贵。
和平是可贵的。
你的帮助很可贵。
这种难能可贵的品质值得学习。
他的坚持不懈十分可贵。
在困难面前，这种乐观精神尤其可贵。
一个可贵的发现。
这种可贵的友谊历久弥新。
他拥有可贵的同情心。
这种可贵的品质是成功的关键。
这是一种可贵的探索精神。
这种在逆境中不屈不挠的精神是极其可贵的。
他那种谦虚好学的态度非常可贵。
对于我们来说，这段时光是无比可贵的。
这种可贵的奉献精神感动了所有人。
这种可贵的创新意识在行业内很少见。
他展现出了难能可贵的职业操守。
这种可贵的信任是双方合作的基础。
这种可贵的坦诚让我深受触动。
这种能够自我反省的能力是极其可贵的。
他在危机时刻表现出的冷静是难能可贵的。
这种可贵的独立思考能力在当今社会非常重要。
这种可贵的文化遗产需要我们共同保护。
他那种为理想奋斗的决心是十分可贵的。
这种可贵的共情能力让他成为了优秀的领导者。
这种可贵的学术严谨性是研究的基础。
这种可贵的环保意识正在逐渐普及。
这种在纷繁复杂的世界中保持初心的品质尤为可贵。
这种难能可贵的历史洞察力对当代社会具有深远意义。
他那种超越个人利益的博大胸怀是极其可贵的。
这种可贵的道德勇气在关键时刻显得尤为重要。
这种可贵的艺术直觉是天才的标志。
这种可贵的公民意识是社会进步的基石。
这种可贵的批判性思维是通往真理的路径。
这种可贵的自我超越精神激励了无数后人。
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"难能可贵"
Rare and commendable.
他在这种情况下还能保持冷静，真是难能可贵。
formal"弥足珍贵"
Extremely precious.
这段友谊弥足珍贵。
literary"价值连城"
Priceless.
这件文物价值连城。
formal"千金难买"
Cannot be bought with money.
这种快乐是千金难买的。
casual"无价之宝"
An invaluable treasure.
经验是人生的无价之宝。
neutral"不可多得"
Rare/hard to find.
他是一个不可多得的人才。
formalEasily Confused
Both have '贵'
贵重 is for money, 可贵 is for virtue
贵重的珠宝 vs 可贵的品质
Both mean precious
珍贵 is for rare items, 可贵 is for character
珍贵的照片 vs 可贵的精神
Similar meaning
宝贵 is for abstract value like time/advice
宝贵的意见
Both mean rare
难得 is 'hard to get', 可贵 is 'admirable'
难得的机会
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 是 + 可贵的
这种精神是可贵的。
Subject + 显得 + 可贵
这显得尤为可贵。
难能可贵的是 + Clause
难能可贵的是他从不放弃。
Subject + 具有 + 可贵的 + Noun
他具有可贵的品质。
最为可贵的是 + Noun
最为可贵的是他的耐心。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
可贵 implies moral or abstract value, not low price.
贵重 refers to high monetary value.
可贵 is for character, not looks.
Repetition makes the praise sound less sincere.
可贵 is strictly an adjective.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a gold star on a person's heart.
Native Context
Use it to praise character traits.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the value of virtue.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it as an adjective.
Say It Right
Focus on the tones.
Don't Mix
Don't use it for money.
Did You Know?
It implies rarity.
Study Smart
Learn the idiom 难能可贵.
Context
Use it in thank you notes.
Practice
Write sentences daily.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
K-G: Keep Gold (it's valuable).
Visual Association
A person holding a small, glowing star.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three things you find 可贵 in your life.
Word Origin
Chinese
Original meaning: Can be valued
Cultural Context
None, it is a very positive word.
Similar to 'invaluable' or 'commendable'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At school
- 可贵的品质
- 可贵的精神
- 可贵的建议
In business
- 可贵的合作
- 可贵的经验
- 可贵的信任
In friendship
- 可贵的友谊
- 可贵的支持
- 可贵的理解
In speeches
- 难能可贵
- 极其可贵
- 最为可贵
Conversation Starters
"What is a 可贵 quality in a friend?"
"Why is time so 可贵?"
"Can you describe a 可贵 experience?"
"What makes a person 可贵?"
"Is honesty always 可贵?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a person you find 可贵.
Describe a time you showed a 可贵 quality.
Why is persistence 可贵?
What is the most 可贵 thing you own?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, use 贵重 for expensive items.
No, it is an adjective.
难能可贵.
No, it is always positive.
Yes, time is precious (宝贵/可贵).
kě guì.
Yes, especially when praising someone.
Yes, 珍贵, 宝贵.
Test Yourself
他的友谊非常___。
Friendship is precious.
Which word means 'rare and commendable'?
It is a standard idiom.
Is '可贵' used for physical prices?
It is for moral value.
Word
Meaning
Matching meanings.
Subject-verb-adjective structure.
Score: /5
Summary
可贵 describes something or someone whose moral value is rare and highly admirable.
- Means precious or admirable
- Used for character and spirit
- Often used in the idiom 难能可贵
- Not for physical price
Memory Palace
Imagine a gold star on a person's heart.
Native Context
Use it to praise character traits.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the value of virtue.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it as an adjective.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
