Meanings of 貴
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 貴
Podcast: 貴
Podcast: 貴
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 貴
昂貴 (ángguì, expensive) vs 貴重 (guìzhòng, valuable) — use 貴 when referring specifically to price, while 貴重 emphasizes intrinsic value.
Be aware that using 貴 can vary in politeness; while it is suitable for everyday conversations, in formal contexts, such as business discussions, using the phrase '价格贵' (jiàgé guì) can sound too direct. Common collocations include '贵重' (guìzhòng, precious) and '贵宾' (guìbīn, honored guest).
Although 貴 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with other related words such as 价 (jià, price) and 便宜 (piányí, cheap) at HSK 1 and 2. Students should focus on understanding the context in which 貴 is used alongside these terms.
Learners often confuse 貴 with 便宜 (piányí, cheap) and might say '这件衣服很贵便宜' (zhè jiàn yīfú hěn guì piányí) which is incorrect. The correct usage would be to say either '这件衣服很贵' (zhè jiàn yīfú hěn guì) for 'this piece of clothing is expensive' or '这件衣服很便宜' for 'this piece of clothing is cheap.'
Pronunciation of 貴
Drill the tone of 貴 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 貴
Simplified form of 貴. Pictograph of two hands carrying a shell. (Shells were used in ancient china as currency.)
money
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 貴
Simplified form of 貴. Pictograph of two hands carrying a shell. (Shells were used in ancient china as currency.)
- 1The meaning half貝 carries the sense.
- 2The giveawaymoney
- 3On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 貴? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 貴?
Decomposition of 貴
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 貴?
How to say expensive, costly; valuable, precious in Chinese
“expensive, costly; valuable, precious” in Chinese is貴
The character 貴 (guì) means 'expensive' or 'costly,' often used to describe items that have a high price. Additionally, it can denote something that is 'valuable' or 'precious,' extending its use to people or experiences that are highly regarded. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
When to use 貴
Be aware that using 貴 can vary in politeness; while it is suitable for everyday conversations, in formal contexts, such as business discussions, using the phrase '价格贵' (jiàgé guì) can sound too direct. Common collocations include '贵重' (guìzhòng, precious) and '贵宾' (guìbīn, honored guest).
貴 or something close to it
昂貴 (ángguì, expensive) vs 貴重 (guìzhòng, valuable) — use 貴 when referring specifically to price, while 貴重 emphasizes intrinsic value.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 貴 with 便宜 (piányí, cheap) and might say '这件衣服很贵便宜' (zhè jiàn yīfú hěn guì piányí) which is incorrect. The correct usage would be to say either '这件衣服很贵' (zhè jiàn yīfú hěn guì) for 'this piece of clothing is expensive' or '这件衣服很便宜' for 'this piece of clothing is cheap.'
Write 貴
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 貴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 貴
Compound Meaning
What does 贵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 貴
No, 貴 can also describe things that are precious or highly regarded, not just in terms of money.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 貴?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.