Definition

1. Noun:
   • Precious sword: A sword of exceptional value, often due to its historical significance, exquisite craftsmanship, or legendary magical properties. It is a term frequently found in historical contexts, myths, and wuxia or xianxia fiction.
   • Treasure sword: A sword considered a treasure or a revered artifact, sometimes passed down through generations or wielded by heroes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà vua trao thanh bảo kiếm cho vị tướng tài ba. (The king bestowed the precious sword upon the talented general.)
  • Truyền thuyết kể về một thanh bảo kiếm có sức mạnh phi thường. (The legend tells of a treasure sword with extraordinary power.)
  • Bảo kiếm được cất giữ trong đền thờ như một quốc bảo. (The precious sword is kept in the temple as a national treasure.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "bảo kiếm" is almost exclusively used in literary, historical, or fantasy contexts. In modern, everyday conversation, one would simply say "thanh kiếm quý" (a valuable sword). Its use evokes a sense of antiquity, legend, and high value.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiếm báu (n): A synonym for "bảo kiếm," also meaning a treasured or precious sword. The word order is reversed.

  • Kiếm báu của triều đại đã bị thất lạc. (The dynasty's treasure sword was lost.)

• Thần kiếm (n): Divine sword; a sword with divine or magical powers, often a specific type of "bảo kiếm."

  • Vị anh hùng rút thần kiếm ra khỏi hòn đá. (The hero pulled the divine sword from the stone.)

Synonyms

• Treasure sword: A sword regarded as a valuable treasure.
• Revered blade: A sword held in high esteem.
• Legendary sword: A sword famous in stories or history.

Related Concepts

• Bảo đao (n): Precious blade; typically refers to a precious saber or broadsword, as opposed to the double-edged straight sword ("kiếm").
• Bảo vật (n): Treasure, precious artifact; the general category to which a "bảo kiếm" belongs.

1. Precious sword