Translation guide
The English word "gem" can refer to a precious stone, something excellent, or a valuable person. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a cut and polished precious stone, especially when set in jewelry.
The most common and general word for a gem or jewel. Used for any precious stone, especially when cut and polished.
Describing a thing (e.g., a movie, book, idea) that is of exceptional quality, like a hidden treasure.
Describing a person who is kind, helpful, or exceptionally good in some way.
A straightforward and natural way to call someone a gem, meaning a wonderful person.
彼女は本当に素晴らしい人だ。
She is a real gem.
The English word "gem" is often used metaphorically, but directly translating it as 宝石 (ほうせき) for a person or thing can sound odd. Use the specific expressions above depending on context.
この小さなカフェは隠れた逸品だ。
This little café is a hidden gem.
手伝ってくれてありがとう、本当に素晴らしい人だね！
Thank you for your help; you're a gem!
彼女は宝石のついた指輪をしていた。
She was wearing a ring with a gem.
この宝石はとても高価だ。
This gem is very valuable.
Loanword from English, often used for jewelry as a whole, but can refer to gemstones in a fashionable context.
あの店で素敵なジュエリーを見つけた。
I found a lovely gem at that store.
A more literary or formal term for a precious stone, often used in historical or fantasy contexts.
王冠には大きな宝玉がはめ込まれていた。
A large gem was set in the crown.
Refers to an exquisite item, a masterpiece, or something of exceptional quality. Often used for art, crafts, or rare finds.
この映画は隠れた逸品だ。
This movie is a hidden gem.
彼のコレクションには逸品が多い。
His collection contains many gems.
Literally 'gem ball', used metaphorically for a small but perfect work, like a gem of a poem or story. Often used in phrases like 珠玉の一編 (a gem of a piece).
この短編集は珠玉の作品ばかりだ。
This short story collection is full of gems.
Means 'masterpiece'. While broader than 'gem', it can be used when emphasizing outstanding quality.
この小説は本当に傑作だ。
This novel is a real gem.
Literally 'hidden masterpiece', a common phrase for a hidden gem (movie, book, etc.).
このアニメは隠れた名作だと思う。
I think this anime is a hidden gem.
Literally 'a person like a treasure', conveying that someone is precious and valuable.
君は僕にとって宝物のような人だ。
You are a gem to me.
Used in professional contexts to mean a valuable person or asset to an organization.
彼は会社にとって貴重な人材だ。
He is a gem of an employee.