1.
children as a treasure or blessing; the gift of children
A warm expression viewing children as precious treasures or blessings. Often used when talking about being blessed with children. Composed of 子 (child) + 宝 (treasure).
子宝に恵まれた。
We were blessed with children.
子宝に恵まれるよう神社にお参りした。
We visited a shrine to pray for the blessing of children.
昔から「子は宝」と言われるように、子宝は何にも代えがたい。
As the saying goes, 'children are treasures' — the gift of children is irreplaceable.
USAGE:
子宝 expresses the traditional Japanese view that children are precious blessings. The most common usage is the set phrase 子宝に恵まれる (to be blessed with children).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 子宝に恵まれる (to be blessed with children)
- 子宝祈願 (praying for children)
- 子宝の湯 (hot spring said to promote fertility)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Many shrines and temples in Japan are known for 子宝祈願 (fertility prayers). Certain hot springs (温泉) are also traditionally associated with promoting fertility.