1.
family heirloom; family treasure
A valuable object passed down through generations within a family. Can be a physical item such as a sword, scroll, or piece of art, or used figuratively for something cherished.
I treasure the hanging scroll inherited from my grandfather as a family heirloom.
Usage
家宝 combines 家 (house/family) + 宝 (treasure). It refers to items of significant value — sentimental, historical, or monetary — that are kept within a family across generations.
Common collocations
- 家宝を受け継ぐ (to inherit a family heirloom)
- 代々の家宝 (heirloom passed down through generations)
- 子は家宝 (children are a family's treasure — proverb)
Similar words
宝物 is a more general word for treasure or prized possession. 家宝 specifically implies family inheritance and generational value.
Related Words
Related:
宝物 (treasure, prized possession)