Definition

1. Noun:
   • Heirloom: A valuable object, such as jewelry, a weapon, or an artifact, that is passed down through generations within a family, cherished for its sentimental and historical significance.
   • Family treasure: Any prized possession kept within a household, typically inherited from ancestors, representing the family's heritage and continuity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chiếc vòng ngọc này là gia bảo của dòng họ chúng tôi. (This jade bracelet is an heirloom of our clan.)
  • Ông ấy giữ gìn thanh kiếm gia bảo rất cẩn thận. (He keeps the family treasure sword very carefully.)
  • Những cuốn sách cổ đó được coi là gia bảo. (Those ancient books are considered family treasures.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "gia bảo" often implies a deep emotional and cultural value beyond mere material worth. It is used to describe items that embody family history, honor, and tradition.
  • Trong nhiều gia đình, bức thư phúc là gia bảo tinh thần. (In many families, the calligraphy scroll is a spiritual heirloom.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bảo vật (n): A treasure, a precious artifact (can be familial or national, often of greater scale or historical importance).

  • Bảo vật quốc gia (national treasure).

• Di vật (n): A relic, a memento (often refers to personal items left behind by the deceased).

• Truyền gia bảo (v/n): To pass down an heirloom; the act of passing down an heirloom.

Synonyms

• Heirloom: A valued possession passed down through generations.
• Family heirloom: Emphasizes the familial context.
• Heritage item: An object inherited from past generations.
• Treasure: A very valuable object.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Giữ như giữ gia bảo: To guard something as carefully as one would guard a family treasure.

  • Cô ấy giữ bức thư cũ như giữ gia bảo. (She guards the old letter as if it were a family heirloom.)

• Gia bảo truyền đời: An heirloom passed down through the ages.

  • Chiếc ấn đồng là gia bảo truyền đời của họ. (The bronze seal is an heirloom passed down through their generations.)

1. Heirloom (some valuable thing like a jewel, weapon...)