Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'valuables' is most commonly expressed with the word 貴重品 (kichōhin), which refers to items of monetary or personal value, especially in contexts like travel, storage, or security. For general 'valuable items' or 'treasures,' 宝物 (takaramono) is used, often with emotional connotations. The adjective 貴重な (kichō na) means 'valuable' or 'precious' and can describe non-physical things like time or opportunities.
The speaker wants to refer to items like cash, jewelry, passports, or electronics that need safekeeping.
The standard term for 'valuables' in contexts like hotels, airports, or when discussing security. It refers to items of high monetary or personal value that require careful handling.
Please deposit your valuables in the safe.
Please be very careful with the management of your valuables.
A 'valuables bag' often provided by hotels or for travel. It's a common compound using 貴重品.
Please put your passport and cash in the valuables bag.
The speaker wants to refer to something they treasure deeply, often with sentimental value, like a family heirloom or a childhood memento.
Literally 'treasure thing.' Used for items with emotional or personal value, not necessarily high monetary worth. It can also refer to a person or experience that is treasured.
This ring is a memento of my grandmother and is my treasure.
A more general phrase meaning 'important thing' or 'precious thing.' It can be used for both tangible and intangible items, and is less formal than 貴重品.
The speaker wants to describe something as valuable in a non-monetary sense, such as time, advice, or an opportunity.
A na-adjective meaning 'valuable,' 'precious,' or 'invaluable.' Often used for abstract things like time, experience, or information. Not typically used for people.
Thank you for your valuable opinion.
Time is precious, so I can't waste it.
Means 'important' or 'precious.' More versatile than 貴重な; can be used for people, things, and abstract concepts. It carries a sense of personal importance.
貴重品 (kichōhin) is used for items with monetary value that need safekeeping, like in hotels or airports. 宝物 (takaramono) implies emotional attachment and is often used for personal treasures. 大切なもの (taisetsu na mono) is a broader, more personal term for anything important, not necessarily valuable in a financial sense.
貴重品 (kichōhin) refers only to objects, never to people. To say someone is 'valuable' to you, use 大切な人 (taisetsu na hito) or かけがえのない人 (kakegae no nai hito).
Childhood photos are treasures.
During the fire, I only took important things like family photos and fled.
Family is the most important thing to me.