宝
treasure, wealth, valuables
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
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.