国宝
Meanings
1
national treasure
Refers to a tangible or intangible cultural property designated as a National Treasure by the Japanese government under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Also used metaphorically for a person or thing of great value to the nation.
This Buddhist statue is designated as a national treasure.
He is like a national treasure of Japan.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を国宝に指定するto designate <thing> as a National Treasure
The government designated this old temple as a National Treasure.
- 〈物〉が国宝に指定されるfor <thing> to be designated a National Treasure
This Buddhist statue was designated a National Treasure during the Edo period.
- 国宝級の〈物〉of national-treasure caliber (used metaphorically for something of exceptional value)
He is a craftsman with skills on the level of a National Treasure.