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.
貴重品は金庫にお預けください。
Please deposit your valuables in the safe.
貴重品の管理には十分注意してください。
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.
貴重品袋にパスポートと現金を入れてください。
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.
この指輪は祖母の形見で、私の宝物です。
This ring is a memento of my grandmother and is my treasure.
子供の頃の写真は宝物だ。
Childhood photos are treasures.
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.
火事の時は、家族の写真など大切なものだけを持って逃げた。
During the fire, I only took important things like family photos and fled.
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.
貴重なご意見をありがとうございます。
Thank you for your valuable opinion.
時間は貴重だから、無駄にできない。
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.
家族は私にとって一番大切なものです。
Family is the most important thing to me.
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).