珍惜 zhēnxī to treasure
to treasure; to value; to cherish
How to remember 珍惜: 珍 a treasure + 惜 pity = to treasure.
Characters
How it is used
- To cherish / treasure something you have and not waste it - 珍惜时间 (zhēnxī shíjiān) value your time; 珍惜这段友谊 cherish this friendship.
- Objects are usually abstract and valued: time, opportunity, relationships, life. Contrast 珍贵 (adjective, 'precious') - 珍惜 is the act of valuing.
- Common encouragement: 要珍惜现在 appreciate what you have now.
Example sentences
- 他很珍惜这个盒子。 Tā hěn zhēnxī zhèige hézi.He treasures this box very much.