プラチナ
ぷらちな
noun
platinum
1.
platinum
The precious metal platinum, used in jewelry, industrial applications, and as an investment asset. In Japanese, also widely used figuratively to describe the highest-tier or most exclusive category of products, services, and membership levels.
プラチナの指輪をプレゼントした。
I gave a platinum ring as a present.
プラチナ会員になると特別な特典がもらえる。
If you become a platinum member, you can receive special benefits.
あのコンサートのチケットはプラチナチケットで、入手するのが非常に難しい。
Tickets for that concert are platinum tickets — extremely difficult to get.
USAGE: プラチナ is a loanword from Spanish/Portuguese "platina." It refers both to the metal and, figuratively, to the most exclusive or hard-to-get category.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- プラチナ会員 (platinum member)
- プラチナカード (platinum credit card)
- プラチナチケット (platinum ticket — a ticket that is extremely hard to obtain)
- プラチナ世代 (platinum generation — active senior citizens)
- 白金 (platinum — the formal/scientific term, less common in everyday use)
CULTURAL NOTE: In Japan, プラチナ is used as the top tier in loyalty programs and credit cards (above ゴールド/gold), and プラチナチケット has become a common expression for any highly sought-after, near-impossible-to-get ticket.