貴 (guì) - Valuable, expensive, noble, precious & also used as an honorific prefix meaning 'your'

貴Tone 4

guì ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

貴 · guì

Valuable, expensive, noble, precious;

also used as an honorific prefix meaning 'your' or 'esteemed'.

Valuable, expensive, noble, preciousalso used as an honorific prefix meaning 'your'

Usage highlights

ExpensiveNoble familyYour esteemed companyYour honorable surnameValuable itemDistinguished guest

Synonyms

  • 尊— honorable, respected
  • 富— wealthy, rich
  • 宝— treasure, precious

Antonyms

  • 贱— cheap, lowly
  • 贫— poor, impoverished
  • 廉— inexpensive, cheap

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This item is very expensive (昂贵).
  • He comes from a noble family (贵族).
  • Your esteemed company (贵公司) is highly regarded.
  • What is your honorable surname?(贵姓?)

Collocations

  • Expensive(昂贵)
  • Noble family(贵族)
  • Your esteemed company(贵公司)
  • Your honorable surname(贵姓)
  • Valuable item(贵重物品)
  • Distinguished guest(贵宾)

Idioms

  • Priceless treasure(贵不可言)
  • Rare and valuable(物以稀为贵)
  • Born into nobility(富贵天生)
  • Honor the virtuous and respect the talented(贵德尚贤)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally associated with nobility, wealth, and high social status in Confucian-influenced societies.
  • Used as an honorific prefix in formal address to show respect, similar to 'your esteemed' in English.
  • Reflects historical Chinese values that prized social hierarchy and proper forms of address.

FAQ