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Kotomora

宝

treasure, wealth, valuables

JLPTN2StatusJōyō · grade 6FrequencyTop 2,000Strokes8

Readings

On'yomi

  • ホウ

Kun'yomi

  • たから

Nanori

  • ほ

Meaning

宝 centers on something precious kept safe: treasure, wealth, or valuables, often stored or protected.

Most common words using 宝

20 of 158
  • 宝たから
    N3

    treasure

  • 宝石ほうせき
    N3

    gem; jewel; precious stone

  • 宝物たからもの

    treasure; treasured item; prized possession

  • 宝くじたからくじ
    N2

    lottery

  • 国宝こくほう
    N1

    national treasure

  • 重宝ちょうほう
    N1

    convenient; useful; handy; helpful

  • お宝おたから

    treasure; precious article; valuable possession; thing one treasures

  • 秘宝ひほう

    hidden treasure; treasured article

  • 財宝ざいほう

    treasure

  • 東宝とうほう

    Tōhou

  • 宝庫ほうこ

    treasury; treasure house; storehouse; repository

  • 家宝かほう

    heirloom

  • 宝島たからじま

    treasure island

  • 宝探したからさがし

    treasure hunting; treasure hunt

  • 至宝しほう

    greatest treasure; most valuable asset; pride (of)

  • 宝飾ほうしょく

    jewels and ornaments; jewelry; jewellery

  • 七宝しっぽう

    the seven treasures (gold, silver, pearls, agate, crystal, coral, lapis lazuli)

  • 子宝こだから

    the treasure that is children; child

  • 天宝てんぽう

    Tenpō era (742-756)

  • 宝塚歌劇団たからづかかげきだん

    Takarazuka Revue

Explore all words using 宝 →

Study

Etymology

宝 is the modern simplified form of 寶. The older form combines 宀 (roof) with 玉 (jade) and 缶 (pottery), suggesting valuables stored under a roof. The modern form keeps the roof and jade, simplifying the rest.

Meaning mnemonic

Under a roof 宀, a precious jewel 玉 is kept safe. That hidden jewel is the treasure.

Reading mnemonic

For ホウ, imagine a treasure chest that you hope to find: hope -> ホウ, and inside is the jewel 玉 under the roof 宀.