宝石 bǎoshí precious stone
precious stone; gem
How to remember 宝石: 宝 treasure + 石 stone = precious stone.
Characters
How it is used
- A gemstone / precious stone - 一枚红宝石 (yì méi hóng bǎoshí) a ruby; 蓝宝石 sapphire.
- Measure words: 枚 (méi) or 颗 (kē). The 宝 marks it as precious, distinguishing it from ordinary 石头 (shítou, a rock).
- Common compounds name specific gems by color: 红宝石 ruby, 蓝宝石 sapphire.