Definition

1. Noun Phrase:
   • Priceless / Worth a fortune: Literally "a thousand gold [units]," this phrase describes something or someone as being of immense value, extremely precious, or highly treasured. It emphasizes worth that is difficult to quantify with money.
   • Invaluable / Precious beyond measure: Used figuratively to express that something is so important or cherished that its value is incalculable, often applied to moral qualities, talent, time, or relationships.

Usage Examples

• Noun Phrase:
  • Lời hứa của người quân tử là nghìn vàng. (A gentleman's promise is worth a fortune.)
  • Thời gian với người bệnh là nghìn vàng. (Time for a sick person is invaluable.)
  • Tài năng của cô ấy thực sự là nghìn vàng. (Her talent is truly precious beyond measure.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in formal, literary, or proverbial contexts to convey deep appreciation or to underscore supreme value. It functions as a predicate noun (following "là") or as a modifier.

Variants and Related Words

• Vàng ngọc (n): gold and jade; used similarly to denote something precious and beautiful.
• Vô giá (adj): priceless, invaluable.

Synonyms

• Priceless: Having a value beyond any price.
• Invaluable: Extremely useful; indispensable.
• Worth its weight in gold: Extremely valuable or useful.

Related Idioms

• Một lời nói, một đọi vàng: (One word is worth a bowl of gold.) Similar to "A word is worth a thousand pieces of gold," emphasizing the high value of keeping one's word or speaking wisely.
• Thời gian là vàng: (Time is gold.) A common proverb meaning time is precious. "Nghìn vàng" intensifies this concept.