Definition
贵 (guì) is the everyday word for 'expensive' in Chinese, used in both speech and writing. It is more common than 昂贵 (áng guì, formal/literary) and broader than 值钱 (zhí qián, which focuses on resale value). As an honorific prefix (e.g., 贵姓 'your surname'), it shows respect—a usage unique among its siblings.
adjective
expensive(honorific prefix) your (polite form used before certain nouns)nobleprecious
Easily confused
- 赏shǎnglook-aliketo reward, to bestow (a gift or money from a superior to an inferior)
- 鬼guǐsound-alike(noun) ghost, spirit; demon, devil
- 赛sàilook-aliketo compete
- 归guīsound-aliketo return, to go back
- 负fùlook-alike(verb) to bear, to carry (a burden, responsibility, debt)
- 跪guìsound-aliketo kneel
- 员yuánlook-alike(suffix) person; employee; member
- 龟guīsound-aliketortoise, turtle
Examples
- 贵。Zhège píngguǒ hěn guì.This apple is expensive.
- 贵？Zhège shū hěn guì ma?Is this book expensive?
- ？Qǐngwèn nín guì xìng?May I ask your honorable surname?
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