Meaning
宝 means treasure — not just gems and gold, but anything irreplaceable. A parent might call their child their greatest 宝. A craftsman might say the same about a hard-won skill. The Japanese word たから (takara) carries warmth that stretches well beyond material value.
Break the character down: 宀 (a roof) sits over 玉 (a gem) and 貝 (a shell, once used as currency in ancient Japan and China). Picture a locked room where someone keeps their jewels and coins safe. That room is the kanji — shelter wrapped around wealth.
宝 has 8 strokes and appears in the grade 6 curriculum. You will encounter it everywhere — formal writing, temple signage, lottery tickets, and everyday conversation.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi is ホウ (hō), drawn from the historical Chinese pronunciation. In compound words, 宝 almost always takes this reading — 宝石, 国宝, 財宝. Expect it in formal, cultural, and official contexts.
- 宝石 (hōseki) — jewel, gemstone; the everyday word for precious stones like diamonds or rubies
- 国宝 (kokuhō) — national treasure; an officially designated cultural or artistic treasure of Japan
- 財宝 (zaihō) — riches, valuables; refers to accumulated wealth or a collection of precious items
- 宝庫 (hōko) — treasury, treasure house; used metaphorically for a rich source of something (e.g., a treasure trove of information)
- 七宝 (shippō) — the seven Buddhist treasures; also a traditional Japanese cloisonné craft
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi たから (takara) is the native Japanese word for treasure. It sounds warmer and more personal than ホウ. When someone says 「子供は私の宝だ」, they reach for たから — not ホウ — because it feels closer to the heart.
- 宝物 (takaramono) — a treasured possession, something precious; common in everyday speech
- 宝くじ (takarakuji) — lottery; literally "treasure lottery," one of the most recognizable uses of this kanji in modern life
- 家宝 (kahō) — family heirloom; an object passed down through generations (note: this compound uses the on'yomi reading)
Common Words & Compounds
宝 shows up across a wide range of contexts. Here are the most useful compounds, grouped by use.
Jewels & Material Treasure
- 宝石 (hōseki) — gemstone, jewel
- 財宝 (zaihō) — riches, valuables, treasure
- 宝飾 (hōshoku) — jewelry (formal term)
- 宝刀 (hōtō) — treasured sword, prized blade
Cultural & National Designations
- 国宝 (kokuhō) — national treasure (official designation)
- 七宝 (shippō) — seven treasures; also cloisonné craft
- 宝典 (hōten) — a treasury of knowledge, authoritative reference
- 宝物殿 (hōmotsuden) — treasure hall (e.g., in a shrine or temple)
Everyday & Colloquial Use
- 宝物 (takaramono) — treasured possession, precious thing
- 宝くじ (takarakuji) — lottery
- 家宝 (kahō) — family heirloom
- 宝庫 (hōko) — treasure house, rich source
Metaphorical Use
- 子宝 (kodakara) — the blessing of children; literally "child-treasure," expressing that children are precious gifts
- 宝の持ち腐れ (takara no mochigusare) — a proverb: "letting a treasure go to waste," said when someone fails to use a talent or resource they have
Example Sentences
この指輪は祖母からもらった宝物です。
Kono yubiwa wa sobo kara moratta takaramono desu.
This ring is a treasured possession I received from my grandmother.
子供は私にとって一番の宝です。
Kodomo wa watashi ni totte ichiban no takara desu.
My children are my greatest treasure.
宝くじに当たったら、旅行したいです。
Takarakuji ni atattara, ryokō shitai desu.
If I win the lottery, I want to travel.
その美術館には国宝が展示されています。
Sono bijutsukan ni wa kokuhō ga tenji sarete imasu.
National treasures are on display at that museum.
彼女の歌声は本物の宝石のようだ。
Kanojo no utagoe wa honmono no hōseki no yō da.
Her singing voice is like a real jewel.
この図書館は知識の宝庫だと思います。
Kono toshokan wa chishiki no hōko da to omoimasu.
I think this library is a treasure house of knowledge.
祖父の古い日記は家族にとって家宝となっています。
Sofu no furui nikki wa kazoku ni totte kahō to natte imasu.
My grandfather's old diary has become a family heirloom.
才能があるのに使わないのは宝の持ち腐れだ。
Sainō ga aru noni tsukawanai no wa takara no mochigusare da.
Having talent but not using it is letting a treasure go to waste.
発掘調査で古代の財宝が発見されました。
Hakkutsu chōsa de kodai no zaihō ga hakken saremashita.
Ancient treasures were discovered during the excavation survey.
Memory Tip
Picture a roof (宀) protecting a glowing gem. Someone built a locked room just to keep their jewels and coins safe — that roofed chamber is your takara. Whenever you spot that roof stroke at the top of 宝, think: something valuable is being guarded inside.
For the sound: link ホウ (hō) to the English word "hoard" — pirates and adventurers hoard treasure. For たから (takara), try "take a Ra" — as if you are pocketing a sliver of the sun god Ra's golden hoard.