かけがえのない
かけがえのない
expression (pre-noun adjectival)
irreplaceable; precious; invaluable
1.
irreplaceable, precious, invaluable
Something or someone so precious that nothing can take its place. Literally 'without a substitute' (かけがえ = substitute + のない = without).
かけがえのない友人だ。
An irreplaceable friend.
家族はかけがえのない存在です。
Family is an irreplaceable presence in our lives.
あの夏の思い出は、私にとってかけがえのない宝物だ。
The memories of that summer are an irreplaceable treasure to me.
かけがえ (掛け替え) means "a substitute." Combined with ない (without), it means "without a substitute" — irreplaceable.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- かけがえのない命: irreplaceable life
- かけがえのない時間: precious time
- かけがえのない存在: irreplaceable presence
- かけがえのない宝物: invaluable treasure
USAGE: Always modifies a noun. Often used in emotional or reflective contexts to express deep value.